Washington Nationals Injury Update: Michael Morse, Rick Ankiel, Chien-Ming Wang

The Washington Nationals ideally would have liked to have their complete 25-man roster healthy for Opening Day, but they will have to wait a bit longer for a few guys. The three players on the disabled list are continuing to make progress even though they will not be on the field on Opening Day.

Michael Morse and Rick Ankiel are on track to rebound from their injuries. They are both starting a rehab assignment in Double-A Harrisburg on Thursday night. Morse, the Nats starting left fielder, has been sidelined with a lat strain and is on the 15-day DL retroactive to March 26. 

Ankiel is the other piece of the outfield that will not be present for the Nationals on opening day. He has been dealing with a quad injury and is on the DL retroactive to March 28.

Both guys are hopeful to be in the lineup for the Nats home opener on April 12.

The Nationals' presumed fifth starter, Chien-Ming Wang, is scheduled to throw off the mound in three days. He has been on the DL with a hamstring strain. This is just the first step in the recovery process for Wang, and he is only expected to rejoin the rotation in late April or early May.

Although these guys are not healthy enough to be in the Opening Day lineup, it should not be long before they are healthy and making an impact. 


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