Matt Purke begins his throwing program

By Byron Kerr

Nationals

December 03, 2014, 8:12am

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Left-hander Matt Purke has started his throwing program as he rehabilitates from Tommy John surgery. The 24-year-old says the program commenced Tuesday and started with soft tosses.

"I felt really good and (am) excited to be back out on the field," the southpaw reported via text message.

Purke said he will gradually build up his throwing over time. He still has plenty of time before spring training begins.

Purke was signed to a minor league contract on Nov. 18, five days after being taken off the Nats' 40-man roster.

The 2011 third-round selection by the Nationals out of TCU has battled through shoulder and elbow issues his entire career and said last month he was thrilled to be still a part of the Nationals organization.

Purke went 1-6 with an 8.04 ERA in eight starts for Double-A Harrisburg last season. He had ligament replacement surgery on May 29.

* The low Single-A Hagerstown Suns are looking to sell the naming rights to Municipal Stadium. An official request for proposal has been circulated to local businesses and will remain available until the end of the year, according to a team news release. Businesses interested in the naming rights can contact the Suns at 301-791-6266.

The 2015 season will be the 35th anniversary of the storied franchise. The team is working with the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau to help celebrate with a season-long promotional schedule.