Mattheus To DL, Werth’s Return Delayed

It just gets worse for the Nats, in more ways than one.

After allowing five runs against the Padres on Sunday, Ryan Mattheus punched a locker out of frustration. To add to that frustration, the punch broke his hand, a gaffe Mattheus accurately described as “pretty embarrassing.” The amount of time he will miss is not yet known.

May 19, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Ryan Mattheus (52) reacts after giving up a run during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

To replace him, the Nationals will call up lefty Fernando Abad from AAA Syracuse. The 27-year-old Abad has a career 5.10 ERA in the majors and was waived by the Astros this offseason, but has a miniscule 1.06 ERA in 17 AAA innings this year. Additionally, since the Nats used both their long relievers as what amounted to a tandem starting pair today, the team optioned Eury Perez to AAA and added Yunesky Maya to the bullpen. Maya has a 5.52 career major league ERA, but unlike Abad, he is struggling to the tune of a 5.07 ERA in AAA. Hopefully, he will not have to make an appearance.

There is also more bad news about Jayson Werth. Another MRI revealed a hamstring strain for him, which means he may not return for two more weeks. He felt the injury seize up while playing in his rehab game, and has not played since. This, of course, means that Nats fans will be treated to another two weeks of Roger Bernadina and Tyler Moore rotating in his spot.

But hey, at least Bryce Harper‘s back, right?*

*If I’ve jinxed his health with this comment, I will have brought great shame on my blog.