MLB

Mets’ d’Arnaud takes ‘huge step,’ OK’d for workouts

WASHINGTON — Travis d’Arnaud took a step forward in his recovery from a broken left foot yesterday, when Mets doctors cleared him to begin weight-bearing workouts in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

The Mets’ top prospect has been sidelined since mid-April with the injury, which he sustained on a foul tip while behind the plate at Triple-A Las Vegas.

D’Arnaud said he will find out today which workouts he’s permitted to start, but he will remain in a walking boot for the next week, according to the team. Even so, d’Arnaud told The Post he was excited.

“It’s a huge step forward,” he said.

The 24-year-old catcher had hoped to receive clearance to begin working out two weeks ago, but doctors said he needed more time.

“A couple of weeks ago when I found out it was still broken it was real tough to take,” d’Arnaud said. “But there was nothing I could do except go home and relax and make sure my foot healed, and that’s what I did.

“I tried to look at it in a positive way and enjoyed the time I was home. It was my first summer home in seven years or something like that so I tried to enjoy it as much as I can.”

* Scott Atchison was examined by Dr. James Andrews for continued discomfort in his right elbow. Andrews concurred with Mets physicians’ diagnosis of a bone spur in the elbow. The right-hander will continue his throwing program upon his return to Port St. Lucie.

* The three-game series that begins at Nationals Park tonight will be a homecoming of sorts for Rick Ankiel, who spent 2011 and 2012 playing for Washington.

Ankiel is struggling, batting .203 with two homers and seven RBIs in 18 games with the Mets. Manager Terry Collins suggested over the weekend Juan Lagares could begin seeing action against right-handed starting pitchers.

mpuma@nypost.com