Tightness lingers for Werth on rehab assignment

BALTIMORE -- Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth has played nine innings in two nights on a rehab assignment with Class A Potomac, but manager Davey Johnson said that Werth still felt some tightness in his strained right hamstring.

Johnson added that there is no chance that Werth will join the team in Atlanta during its three-game series against the Braves.

"No. No possibility. Although, Jayson may say after today, 'I'm ready,'" Johnson said. "Just depends how much he puts into today and how he feels. Still worried about a little bit of tightness in there."

Werth started in right field for Potomac on Wednesday night and went 1-for-2 at the plate in three innings of action. On Thursday, he played six innings and went 2-for-3 with two singles.

Before Thursday night's game, Johnson said that the plan was for Werth to play five innings on Thursday, then seven and nine in his next two games. Werth was placed on the 15-day disabled list on May 11.