SAN FRANCISCO — The Nationals could have center fielder Denard Span back atop their lineup by the time they return from their 10-game trip later this week.
It can’t happen fast enough.
In fact, it might not have happened fast enough already.
The Nationals were 46-37 and in first place by 3 1/2 games in the National League East when Span experienced pain in his lower back on July 6.
He hasn’t played since, and basically neither have the Nationals. Their loss to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday dropped them to 58-59, the first time they’ve been under .500 since May 6.
Technically, Span was back in action Sunday, but it was for the Nationals’ Single-A affiliate in Potomac. He was beginning an injury-rehab stint there.
The Nationals return home Friday, but which point Span, if all goes well in the minors, could have four or five games under his belt. That might be enough to earn him reinstatement from the disabled list.
Span is hitting .304 for the season. His chief replacement in the leadoff spot, OF Michael Taylor, finished Sunday at .241 following a four-strikeout outing against Giants ace Madison Bumgarner.