Jayson Werth Reveals Foot Fracture Injury, Bone Bruise, Return Remains Unclear

Jayson Werth revealed on Tuesday that he has a first metatarsal fracture in his left foot as well as a bone bruise, according to Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post. 

Werth, who has not played since early June after going on the disabled list with what was believed to be a bruised foot at the time, said on Tuesday he was close to returning from the disabled list before the All-Star break and can do everything but sprint, per Janes. He added that his latest MRI revealed a lot of healing in the injury.

Janes added, "Werth said he knew about the fracture early on and that the diagnosis hadn't changed. Bone bruise heals slower than the fracture."

He concluded by noting his frustration with the slow progress of his recovery.

Werth, 38, is hitting .262 with eight homers and 18 RBI this season. Despite injuries to Werth and Trea Turner, the Nationals have continued to flourish, compiling a 56-36 record, the third-best mark in the majors.

While Werth no longer brings the pop or consistency he offered in his prime, he was still expected to be a major contributor for the team in 2017 after hitting 21 homers with 69 RBI in 143 games last season. Injuries have been an issue for the veteran in recent years, however, he appeared in just 88 games in the 2015 campaign and only 47 this season before his latest setback. 

In his stead, Brian Goodwin has stepped into the everyday role in left field, hitting .245 with eight homers and 21 RBI. The team's outfield has been hit particularly hard by injuries this year, however, with Adam Eaton and Michael Taylor also currently on the DL.