Werth playing through lower back tightness

ATLANTA -- Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth experienced a tight lower back in Saturday's game against the Braves. After he walked in the eighth inning, Braves right-hander Jordan Walden tried to pick Werth off at first base. That's when Werth's discomfort got worse, according to acting manager Randy Knorr. After the inning ended, Werth was out of the game and replaced by Roger Bernadina.

Werth said he has been dealing with the back problems for a couple of days, but it didn't stop him from being in the lineup Sunday. He was hitting cleanup for Washington.

Werth is the Nationals' hottest hitter. He took a nine-game hitting streak into Sunday and was 18-for-35 [.514] during that span.