Werth returns from sprained ankle

MIAMI -- Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth was back in the starting lineup against the Marlins on Wednesday afternoon. It comes two days after he sprained his right ankle trying to stretch a single into a double during a 7-6 loss to Miami.

On Wednesday morning, Werth texted manager Matt Williams and told him he was ready to play.

"I think he could have played last night," Williams said. "I got a text from him this morning, and he said he was ready to go. I said, 'Yes, sir,' and I put his name in the lineup."

Werth was able to pinch-hit in the ninth inning of Tuesday's 3-0 loss, flying out to Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton.