Jayson Werth, Denard Span and others getting closer to return

The Washington Nationals entered the all-star break as battered and bruised as any team in the majors. Injury updates were the central focus of manager Matt Williams’ pregame press conference Friday.

Williams was vague in giving a specific date for the return of any of his players, but he did provide general updates on Stephen Strasburg (strained left oblique), Jayson Werth (broken left wrist), Ryan Zimmerman (plantar fasciitis in left foot), Denard Span (back tightness) and Anthony Rendon (strained left quadriceps).

On Strasburg:

“He threw yesterday. He threw today. It’s good. Normal throwing program. Not on the mound yet, but a good sign that he’s back out there doing it and that he’s having no issue with it. So, we’ll look to a bullpen the next four or five days probably and see where he’s at, but good sign for him the last couple.”

On Werth:

“Three innings last night [in Potomac]. Two at bats. Played the field. [Friday], he’s scheduled to DH and get three at-bats at least, and then we’ll see where he is tomorrow. But he reported today prior to going to Potomac, and his legs feel good. He’s been doing a lot of running, so that’s not an issue. He felt good in his at-bats last night physically. Timing is off of course, which is normal, but didn’t have any issues coming out of it, so that’s a good sign. But, the deal with broken bones are when they’re healed, they’re healed. Right now it’s about strengthening the area because he was in a splint for a while, and getting at-bats, so, all things considered, he came out of it really well.”

On Span:

“He’s strengthening. He’s strengthening they put him on a serious program after he saw the specialist and he’s doing that hes really close to getting back out hitting again and everything but what we don’t want to do is have a repeat. So, all the tests were good and he’s OK, but he’s just continuing to strengthen his core, working on his flexibility, and he’ll be ready to go soon.”

On Zimmerman and Rendon:

“Full workouts today. They had that as well yesterday. Ran the bases yesterday in a controlled environment but nonetheless they were both on the bases and that’s a good sign, so we’ll just keep progressing them. They’re both taking batting practice, both taking ground balls, our clubhouse is pretty full right now with a lot of guys here that are close to getting back going again, which is a good sign.”