Phillies outfielder Daniel Nava nearing return from disabled list
By John Town
With two rehab appearances down and at least one more to go, Phillies outfielder Daniel Nava said he is feeling better since hurting his hamstring.
Injuries have been hurting the Phillies all season as Vince Velasquez hit the disabled list Wednesday with an elbow strain. However, the same night Velasquez hurt his elbow, another Phillie was working his way back from the disabled list.
Daniel Nava made a rehab appearance Tuesday night with Double-A Reading, going 1-for-4 as the team’s designated hitter. This came after going 2-for-3 with a RBI and double Monday night with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He played six innings in left field for the IronPigs.
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A positive sign from Tuesday’s game came when Nava reached base on a fielder’s choice, beating out a double play. It was that kind of play that he injured his hamstring on May 19 against the Pirates.
Nava told reporters that he was feeling good after the game: [quote via Marc Narducci of Philly.com]
"“It’s only two games but it is good to get out and test the body and see where things are and they are in a place I am happy with,” Nava said. “Obviously, to see pitches and live at-bats is something you can’t duplicate.”"
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Nava is staying in Reading Wednesday when the Fightin’ Phils have a doubleheader. According to manager Greg Legg, Nava will play in the first game, which starts at 5:15 pm ET, as the team’s first baseman. Minor-league doubleheaders only go seven innings, so Nava won’t be under too much strain.
After Wednesday, it’s up in the air what the plan with Nava will be. He said he only knows the plan up to Wednesday’s game. The Phils are off Thursday before returning to action Friday night at Citizens Bank Park against the Giants.
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Nava was one of the team’s top hitters off the bench since making the team as a non-roster invitee in spring training. In 73 plate appearances, Nava had a .305/.425/.458 line with two home runs, both of which he hit in his first two plate appearances of the year. Nava has also walked (12) more than he has struck out (10) so far.