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Nationals Trade Rumors: Jayson Werth to return in Miami, Mets acquire Tyler Clippard

There is good news and bad news this afternoon, Washington Nationals fans. The good news? We'll start with that below. The bad news? An old friend is going to be wearing the orange and blue of the Nats' divisional rivals.

By Patrick Reddington
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

First, the good news. It's always better that way, trust us... Jayson Werth is coming back! Or at least will be back, uh, reportedly...

Washington manager Matt Williams was asked after the Nationals' loss in the series finale with the Pittsburgh Pirates if either of the Nats' rehabbing position players, Jayson Werth or Ryan Zimmerman, would rejoin the team in Miami, FL where they start a three-game set with the Marlins on Tuesday night? If you were expecting a definitive answer, you have not been paying attention to how these things work.

"Don't know yet," Williams said. "We'll make that decision after they're all finished with all their stuff today. And we have an off day, they can get another game tomorrow if need be and then we'll make a decision after that."

This afternoon, Washington Post writer James Wagner reported on Twitter that Werth will, in fact, join the Nationals in Miami:

Werth, as noted in the Tweet, has been out of the Nationals' lineup since May 15th when he was hit by a pitch from San Diego Padres' right-hander Odrisamer Despaigne which caused small fractures in his left wrist.

Werth was 2 for 7 in three games with the High-A Potomac Nationals and 9 for 23 in six games for the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs.

Williams talked last week about wanting to get Werth as many at bats as possible before the 36-year-old outfielder returned to the majors, though he said realistically he knew there wouldn't be enough time to get as many as they would like.

"I would imagine if you want to start hot, then you want the normal Spring Training," he explained.

"Unfortunately, that's never the case. Fifty at bats would be ideal, but I don't think he'll be able to get fifty at bats, it just takes too long and we can't afford to have him out that long when he's healthy.

"So our concern is that when he comes back there's no issue with the shoulder, first and foremost, the wrist is fine, he's building strength in that, his legs are good. The last thing you want is for the wrist to be okay and he's not fully in shape and something happens and he pulls a muscle and then goes down again.

"You would love a bunch of at bats, unfortunately during the course of a season you don't get as many, so as long as he's physically able then we're glad to have him."

Apparently 30 will have to do. There is no official report from the Nationals yet, so no word on who will be optioned out to make room on the roster. More info should be coming tomorrow.

Now, the bad news:

There were reports this afternoon, from the SB Nation's Chris Cotillo and Washington Post writer James Wagner that the Nationals remained in the hunt for their former set-up man...

But alas, Tyler Clippard goes to the NL East's second-rate, um second-place Mets instead. Ouch.

Cue outrage in NatsTown. Your move, Mr. Rizzo...

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