Werth Breaks Wrist

Nationals manager Davey Johnson confirmed following last night's game that left fielder Jayson Werth broke his left wrist.

In 2005, Werth had surgery on his left wrist to repair a torn tendon. He missed all of the 2006 season and almost had his career cut short due to the injury.

Multiple reports about when he will return have been thrown around. In an ESPN report, it was stated that there is no timetable for his return. However, many Nationals reporters believe that he could return as soon as six weeks.

Werth injured his left wrist when diving for a fly ball hit by Placido Polanco. His glove got caught underneath him and he rolled over his wrist and came up in obvious pain. He was then helped off while clutching his left wrist.

While Werth started the season slow, he quickly became one of the Nationals most feared hitters in the line-up. Before his injury last night, he was 1-2 with a single that moved Bryce Harper over to third. Harper would eventually steal home a few pitches later.

In 27 games this season, Werth totaled 26 hits with five doubles, a triple, and three home runs. He had a .271 batting average and an on base percentage of .369. He had been walked 14 times and struckout just three times. Werth was also in the top three for the team with 12 RBI and 10 runs scored.

Losing Jayson Werth is no need for concern for the Nationals. While he was becoming one of their most premier hitters, his absence will mostly be felt in the outfield. Werth was an excellent outfielder and was part of the three headed monster of Harper, Ankiel, and Werth out in the outfield.

According to Mark Zuckerman, Davey Johnson plans to move Bryce Harper over to right field and then use a combination of Roger Bernadina and Xavier Nady at left field. When Michael Morse is healthy, he will then be put in either left or right field. Expect Rick Ankiel to remain at his centerfield position.

Luckily, the Nationals biggest bat, Adam LaRoche, is set to return this Tuesday. Ryan Zimmerman is also scheduled to return to action that same day. Michael Morse should help offensively when he returns, too.

For the Nationals, there is no need to be concerned at this point. Bryce Harper is swinging the bat well and the two best hitters on the team are returning this week. If they can find a quality outfielder to replace Werth, everything will work out just fine and the Nationals should still be able to continue their winning ways.


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