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Washington Nationals' Jayson Werth to begin rehab assignment with Potomac tonight

Washington Nationals' outfielder Jayson Werth will begin a rehab assignment with the High-A Potomac Nationals tonight, two months after he was hit on the wrist by a fastball in a May 15th game in San Diego.

By Patrick Reddington
Denis Poroy/Getty Images

Washington Nationals' skipper Matt Williams updated reporters on Jayson Werth's status last weekend before the start of the Nats' first-half ending three-game set in Baltimore. Werth was in Florida, Williams said, at the Nationals' training facilities as he worked his way back from the fractured bones in his left wrist he suffered in May.

"'He did extensive outfield work today,'" Williams explained, as quoted by MASN's Byron Kerr, "'which is good sign and continuing to swing a light bat to get going so they're coming and we hope that it's quickly and there's no more setbacks."

The initial estimate when Werth received the diagnosis on his wrist in early June was that he could be back by August.

"'My goal is to be back with the club August 1,'" Werth told reporters, including the Washington Post's James Wagner.

"'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 underwent surgery this past winter to repair the AC joint in his right shoulder, and started the season a few weeks late.

Between April 13th, when his 2015 campaign began, and May 15th when San Diego Padres' right-hander Odrisamer Despaigne hit him on the wrist with a fastball, the 36-year-old outfielder put up a .208/.294/.287 line with two doubles and two home runs in 119 plate appearances.

The Potomac Nationals announced this morning that the veteran outfielder will begin a rehab assignment with them tonight when they take on the Myrtle Beach Pelicans:

How long Werth will be on his rehab assignment is unclear.

The Nats are also waiting for Ryan Zimmerman, Anthony Rendon, Denard Span and Stephen Strasburg to come off the DL, though Span wasn't expected to miss much time after the Break and Zimmerman (plantar fasciitis) and Rendon (left quad) were taking batting practice and grounders with the Nationals last week as they work their way back from their respective injuries.

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