Werth feels close to beginning rehab games
Nationals outfielder says he's 'days' away from playing
WASHINGTON -- Jayson Werth's left wrist is getting stronger, he says. While he has not swung the bat, the Nationals left fielder has been swinging a broomstick without any problems.
Werth is hoping to get back on the field by August. Werth suffered two small fractures in the wrist May 15 after he was hit by a pitch thrown by Padres right-hander Odrisamer Despaigne in the top of the second inning.
"Not quite ready to swing a baseball bat. But I'm days, not weeks, away from playing," Werth said. "It's coming along nicely. I have that last little bit left to get [in the] wrist. So it's progressing."
Although Werth has not played since mid-May, he looks in great shape. The wrist injury has not prevented him from working out the rest of his body.
"As soon as this wrist gets to where it needs to be, I can go on rehab assignment pretty quick," Werth said. "I'm pretty much able to do everything -- weight training-wise."
Video: WSH@ARI: Werth crushes three-run shot to left-center
In other news, outfielder Reed Johnson doesn't know when he will play in a Major League game, but his left foot is showing progress. He is no longer on crutches or walking with a limp and now is swinging a bat off a tee and from flips. He had a good workout Friday.
Johnson is jogging, but the big test will be running the bases, and there is no timetable on when that will happen. Johnson was 4-for-18 with two RBIs when he hurt the ankle April 28 against the Braves.