Jayson Werth Injury: Updates on Nationals OF's Wrist and Return

Washington Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth left the team's May 16 game against the San Diego Padres after he was hit on the wrist by a pitch. After a CT scan showed two small fractures in his wrist, Werth is expected to be out until at least August.

Continue for updates.

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Werth Aiming for August 1 Return

Friday, June 5

“My goal is to be back with the club August 1. Whether it’s realistic or not I don’t know. Everyone heals at their own rate. I’ve been assured that when it stops hurting I’ll be good to go. I’ll let pain be my guide," Werth said, per James Wagner of the Washington Post.

On May 28, Bill Ladson of MLB.com reported that Werth's CT scan revealed two fractures in his left wrist. Per Ladson, "Dr. Richard Berger, who operated on Werth's wrist in 2012, is convinced that the veteran outfielder will return to full strength. If Werth's rehabilitation goes according to plan, he could return as early as August."

On May 20, Werth discussed his injury and the decision to go on the disabled list, according to Chris Johnson of MASN:

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"I'm relieved," Werth said yesterday. "I wish it felt better. I'm optimistic, but I don't feel like I'm out of the woods yet. Hopefully, in a couple days it will respond a lot better and we'll get going. But right now, I'm still pretty banged up. The tests were good, but I still feel like I have a ways to go."

Werth, who was wearing a brace on his left wrist after last night's game, indicated he is still dealing with swelling and lacks range of motion.

"It was bad," he said. "About as bad as it could be without being broke."

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On May 19, Dan Kolko of MASN reported the Nationals placed Werth on the disabled list retroactive to May 16. Kolko noted the team called up Wilmer Difo from Double-A to replace Werth on the roster.

Losing Werth for an extended amount of time could prove to be a difficult blow to Washington's chances at reaching the postseason in a year for which it has World Series aspirations.

Werth was hitting .208 with two home runs and 12 RBI entering play Friday, but he is a former All-Star and an important cog in the middle of the Nationals lineup alongside Bryce Harper. He is a better player than his early numbers indicate.

Tyler Moore came in for Werth and has played a more significant role in the lineup while the veteran has been out.

Moore doesn't boast the power Werth does in the heart of the order, but he is a 28-year-old veteran who's hit as many as 10 home runs in a season (2012). If nothing else, he and Michael Taylor can keep the Nationals afloat until Werth returns.   

Washington has a lethal starting pitching rotation and depth across the board and is as suited as any team in the league to deal with a critical injury.