WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The Nats made a pair of late changes from their original starting lineup prior to Saturday's game against the Astros, scratching outfielders Jayson Werth because of a sore knee and Michael Taylor, who had replaced Werth in the lineup but is dealing with a family issue.
Nats manager Dusty Baker did not seem concerned at all about Werth's knee being an issue long term considering his response to which knee it was that was bothering him.
"Pick one, tell them both of them," Baker said with a laugh.
Brian Goodwin was hitting fourth and playing center field.
Werth showed no ill effects of the injury while he was on the field for a full normal pregame routine with the rest of the team. He wanted to play Saturday, but Baker decided to exercise caution. Baker had scheduled an off-day for Werth on Sunday as well, but expects Werth to return to the lineup Monday.
Werth, 37, is entering the final year of his contract with the Nationals and has said he feels good at the plate and expects to be better in his second season removed from breaking his left wrist.
"He looks pretty good," Baker said. "I just hope this soreness in his knee doesn't set him back. I was planning to take him up a notch, as far as innings played and stuff to get some endurance. This is just a little minor thing."