MLB notes: Harper blasts three homers in rehab game

AKRON, Ohio — Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper hit three homers and drove in five runs in a minor league rehab game on Saturday.

The 2012 NL Rookie of the Year, Harper is working his way back from a left thumb injury. He went 4 for 5 as the designated hitter for the Double-A Harrisburg against the Cleveland Indians’ Akron affiliate.

Washington manager Matt Williams said after Saturday’s day-night doubleheader against the Chicago Cubs that he is not sure if Harper will play another game for Harrisburg today. The Nationals are optimistic he will return early in the week, if not Monday when they open a three-game series against Colorado.

Harper tore the ligament in his left thumb on a head-first slide to third against San Diego in April.

Sabathia makes rehab start

TAMPA, Fla. — New York Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia tested his injured right knee Saturday, allowing two runs and three hits over 2⅓ innings in his first rehabilitation game since going on the disabled list in May.

Sabathia walked one and struck out two for Class-A Tampa against Dunedin in a Florida State League game. He threw 37 pitches.

“I felt really good,” Sabathia said. “I didn’t know what to expect. Obviously I want to be healthy and not have any problems, and got that accomplished.”

Sabathia gave up an infield single and a two-run double that the center fielder just missed making a diving catch on.

“Definitely need to work on my secondary pitches,” said Sabathia, whose fastball was consistently in the 87-89 mph range.

Sabathia is 3-4 with a 5.28 ERA this season, with opponents hitting .301 off him. He is expected to need at least two rehab starts.

Inside pitch

The Boston Red Sox promoted highly touted prospect Mookie Betts from the minors Saturday, hoping he might be able to boost a lineup that’s had trouble scoring runs all season.

• Milwaukee outfielder

• Carlos Gomez

• was removed in the seventh inning Saturday after colliding with

• Ryan Braun

• in short right-center on a bloop double. Gomez sustained a left neck strain and is day to day.
• Rangers left-hander

• Derek Holland

• , sidelined following micro-fracture knee surgery in January, completed a simulated game early Saturday but isn’t scheduled to be sent out for a rehab pitching assignment.