District Daily: Jayson Werth’s Injury, Reckless Driving Charge
Aug 6, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth (28) hits an RBI single in the first inning against the New York Mets at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Jayson Werth made multiple headlines recently, both of which were bad ones. Get up to speed (pun intended) below.
Werth meets with doctor about ailing shoulder
NEW YORK — Nationals right fielder Jayson Werth was not in Tuesday’s lineup against the Mets because of problems with the AC joint in his right shoulder. In fact, around 4 p.m. ET, Werth left Citi Field with athletic trainer Lee Kuntz to see a doctor.
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The Nationals thought the day off on Monday would help the shoulder, but Werth aggravated it making a sliding catch against the Braves the day before. Werth is expected to return to Citi Field and be available to pinch-hit.
“He is not reacting well. We’ll try to treat him again, get him going again. He feels sore today,” manager Matt Williams said. “I don’t think it’s a DL-type situation. … I don’t think there isn’t any major issue. I think it’s inflamed and sore.” Read full article here.
Jayson Werth charged with reckless driving in Fairfax County
(Adam Kilgore, the Washington Post)
Nationals right fielder Jayson Werth was pulled over in early July and charged with reckless driving for going 105 mph in a 55-mph zone, according to a case file on the Fairfax County General District Court Web site.
Werth was charged with a misdemeanor for the incident, which occurred July 6, according to the file. Werth originally had a hearing scheduled for Aug. 8, but the case has been continued until Nov. 12.
“The Washington Nationals have been in communication with right fielder Jayson Werth regarding this situation for multiple weeks,” a Nationals spokesperson said in an e-mailed statement. “Jayson is cooperating with the authorities. As it is an ongoing legal matter, the team has no further comment.” Read full article here.
Williams looking to keep Espinosa fresh
NEW YORK — Nationals manager Matt Williams stopped short of saying that he would platoon Danny Espinosa and Asdrubal Cabrera at second base. However, Williams said he would like to give Espinosa playing time.
The switch-hitting Espinosa is hitting .217 for the season, but has a .299 batting average from the right side of the plate. Since Cabrera arrived in a trade from the Indians on Aug. 1, Espinosa has received two starts at second when facing left-handers.
“We want to make sure Danny stays as fresh as possible with his at-bats,” Williams said. “It’s an opportunity that when we [face] a lefty starter, we want to get him playing time. Does that mean a platoon, strictly? No. But it’s important for [Espinosa] to have at-bats and play. He has been playing really well. He is hitting well right-handed. He plays a great second base and all of that. If opportunities are there to hit right-handed against lefties … we might as well take advantage of it.” Read full article here.