Washington Nationals News: Jayson Werth takes swings in Minor League game

Good morning DoD readers, and welcome to today’s District Daily! Start off your day with some great Washington Nationals articles from around the web below.

In today’s Daily, MLB.com’s Jamal Collier discusses Jayson Werth’s recovery from shoulder surgery as he races to be ready in time for Opening Day. As Collier notes, Werth got his first in-game at-bats of the spring in a minor league game on Monday, which is a major step in the outfielder’s recovery.

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Of course, Werth still has a long way to go until he’s able to rejoin the big league club. But with his first official Spring Training plate appearances behind him, it’s looking more and more like Werth will be able to play for the Nationals sooner, rather than later. And given all the other injuries the team is dealing with right now, that is excellent news for the Nationals.

Also in today’s Daily, MLB.com’s Bill Ladson interviews manager Matt Williams on his expectations for the 2015 season and how he is dealing with the pressure of being dubbed “World Series Favorites” so early in the season. Be sure to check out the interview below, it’s definitely worth a read.

And as always, stay tuned to DoD for all your Washington Nationals Spring Training needs.

Werth takes swings in Minor League game

(Jamal Collier, MLB.com)

VIERA, Fla. — Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth went 1-for-2 with a walk in a Minor League game on Monday, his first at-bats in any game this spring.

“I felt like it was the first game of Spring Training,” Werth said. “So if I had a month left, I’d be right where I needed to be, but I got six days, five now [before Opening Day]. We’re gonna do all the work we can, and we’re going to do everything we can to get there. I just don’t know if it’ll be enough. Again, that’s not my decision anyway.”

He was originally scheduled to play again Tuesday, but could not finish his treatment and rehab in time to be ready for the 10:30 a.m. ET start in the Minor League game. Read full article here.

Williams feeling excited, not pressure over expectations

(Bill Ladson, MLB.com)

In his first year as manager, Matt Williams guided the Nationals to the National League East title and captured the NL Manager of the Year trophy. 

This year, Williams has a chance to win a World Series title and another Manager of the Year trophy. It doesn’t hurt that the Nationals have a dominating pitching staff led by Opening Day starter Max Scherzer

MLB.com caught up with Williams recently to talk about the Nationals and their chances of reaching the postseason.

MLB.com: How do you feel about the Nationals right now?

Matt Williams: I think we have some questions, like every teams does. We have some injuries and some guys that are coming back from those injuries as we speak. Read full article here.

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