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The rumored move to reinstate 33-year-old Nats' outfielder Jayson Werth from the 60-Day DL is a rumor no longer as the Washington Nationals officially announced the move (via Twitter @NationalsPR) just a few moments ago:
The
— Nationals PR (@NationalsPR) August 2, 2012#Nationals today activated and reinstated OF Jayson Werth from the 60-day DL (LWrist) and placed Henry Rodriguez on the 15 day DL (back)
Werth has been on the sidelines since May 6th when he suffered a broken wrist on an attempt at a sliding catch in the outfield in Nationals Park in a game against the same Phillies the Nats face tonight in D.C. The corresponding move to put Henry Rodriguez on the DL isn't too much of a surprise. The 25-year-old right-hander had a short run of success as the Nationals' closer earlier this season when both Drew Storen and Brad Lidge went down with injuries, but the reliever has struggled since and has a 5.83 ERA, a 5.09 FIP, 22 walks (6.75 BB/9) and 31 K's (9.51 K/9) in 35 games and 29.1 IP so far this season. After returning from an injury and a rehab stint for an injured finger, Rodriguez has a 7.56 ERA with eight walks and eight K's in 8.1 IP in July. Davey Johnson tried to work the right-hander in whenever he could, but the second-year Nat in his second full season hasn't responded well.
Werth wrapped up a nine-game rehab assignment last night in which he was 8 for 27 with three doubles and a .296/.457/.407 line. He'll be batting sixth and playing center in the Nationals' lineup tonight according to reports from Nats Park:
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) August 2, 2012
#Nats 8/2 Lineup: Espinosa SS, Harper RF, Zimmerman 3B, Morse LF, LaRoche 1B, Werth RF, Leon C, Lombo 2B, Detwiler LHP
Werth's back...