Denard Span, out since July 7, expected to be activated Tuesday

The Washington Nationals plan to activate Denard Span from the disabled list Tuesday, according to multiple media reports.

The center fielder and leadoff hitter has been out since July 7 because of back spasms that had plagued him the entire season.

The Nationals had hoped to get Span back shortly after the All-Star break. However, after hitting, running and working in the outfield in early August, his back stopped progressing, which delayed his return. Span underwent an MRI, which showed no structural damage, and saw a specialist in an effort to eliminate the injury.

Span is batting .304 with five homers and 22 RBIs in 59 games this season. He is 11-for-11 in steals.

The Nationals open a three-game series against theSan Diego Padreson Tuesday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.