Washington Nationals News: Jayson Werth expected back in lineup Friday
By Pablo Roa
Good evening DoD readers, and welcome to today’s District Daily! With another series win in the books, get caught up on all the latest Nats news with some great Washington Nationals articles from around the web below.
In today’s Daily, MLB.com’s Andrew Simon gives us an update on outfielder Jayson Werth, who has now been out of the lineup for two straight games. As Simon notes, Werth is dealing with a “cranky” right shoulder, but is expected to be back in the lineup when the team kicks off a series against the Braves Friday.
Werth had surgery on the shoulder to repair his AC joint during the offseason, so it’s not too surprising that it’s giving him problems. Fortunately, it doesn’t look like his condition is too serious and he should be ready to get back into it after a few days off.
Although he’ll likely be back in the lineup Friday, the Nationals will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on Werth as the season goes on. He’s not too far removed from the shoulder surgery, and the last thing the Nationals need right now is for Werth—one of their best hitters—to land on the disabled list. Right now, though, it looks like he’ll be back to playing every day sooner rather than later.
Also in today’s Daily, MLB.com’s Paul Hagen discusses Bryce Harper and how the young outfielder has matured into a leader of the Nationals and appears poised to carry the ball club.
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Harper has been one of the team’s best players this season, and with a three-homer game on Wednesday, it looks like he’s only getting started. I’ve been saying since last October that this will be the season in which Harper breaks out and becomes one of the game’s best players, and I stand by that.
It won’t be easy and he’ll undoubtedly slump at times, but if he can stay healthy and doesn’t run into any walls, we may very see him in the MVP discussion come October. Fortunately for the Nationals, Harper isn’t focused on any personal accolades. He wants to help his team win, and a month into the season, that’s exactly what he’s done.
Be sure to check out both articles below, they’re definitely worth a read. And as always, stay tuned to DoD for all your Washington Nationals needs.
Werth expected back in Nats’ lineup Friday
WASHINGTON — Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth was out of the starting lineup for the second consecutive game on Wednesday afternoon, and manager Matt Williams said Werth’s right shoulder is “a little cranky.” Thursday’s off-day will give Werth three straight days to rest, and he is expected to be back on Friday night against the Braves.
“It’s been a little inconsistent,” Werth said Wednesday on MLB Network. “At times, it’s been good. Other times, my timing just hasn’t been there, but I’m starting to figure it out. I had some good at-bats the other night. I think it’s coming.”
Werth had surgery to repair the AC joint in his right shoulder in January, so five months later, this type of soreness is considered normal. Read full article here.
Harper appears ready to carry Nationals
WASHINGTON — Hiccups and haywires, Matt Williams said. That’s how the Nationals manager refers to what’s gone wrong for his team so far this season, the seemingly endless string of buzzard’s luck that has afflicted a team many expected to run away with the National League East this season.
Left fielder Jayson Werth, coming off shoulder surgery, missed his 10th game of the season Wednesday afternoon against the Marlins at Nationals Park. Center fielder Denard Span came back from core surgery two weeks into the season, missed a couple games and has now played four straight. Third baseman Anthony Rendon has yet to appear as he recovers from a sprained left knee. He was on a rehab assignment, pulled his oblique and has been shut down. Read full article here.