The Washington Nationals are giving both Jayson Werth and Denard Span the night off so Michael Taylor starts for the second straight night but in center this time in the second game of three with the New York Mets in Citi Fieid.
Based on what Washington Nationals' GM Mike Rizzo said on 106.7 the FAN in D.C. today, Jayson Werth isn't likely to land on the DL with the shoulder issue that's been bothering him for the last week-plus, but he isn't back in the lineup yet either. MLB.com's Bill Ladson's sources told him today that the 35-year-old veteran outfielder had a cortisone shot in his right shoulder today after he had an MRI last night, and he could miss the next few days:
Source: OF Jayson Werth received a cortisone shot in his shoulder today. He will probably not play for a couple of days. #Nats#MLB
— William Ladson (@washingnats) August 13, 2014Matt Williams confirmed Ladson's report when he spoke to the press before tonight's game:
#Nats Manager Matt Williams said RF Jayson Werth had a cortisone shot today to reduce the inflammation in his AC joint. No structural damage
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) August 13, 2014Werth's absence last night led to Michael Taylor starting his first game in the majors, and the 23-year-old outfielder impressed, going 2 for 4 with a single for his first MLB hit and his first MLB home run later in the game. Taylor gets a second straight start tonight with Denard Span getting a hard-earned break after his 14-game hit streak and 36-game on-base streak both ended last night. Taylor's playing center in place of Span tonight with Bryce Harper in right and Kevin Frandsen in left in the second game of three with the New York Mets in Citi Field:
#Nats lineup @ #Mets: Taylor CF, Cabrera 2B, Rendon 3B, LaRoche 1B, Desmond SS, Harper RF, Ramos C, Frandsen LF, Zimmermann P
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) August 13, 2014Going back to Span for a moment. When the 30-year-old outfielder's 36-game on-base streak started back on June 28th, the second-year Nats' leadoff man had a .268/.313/.392 line on the year. After last night's 0 for 5 in NY, Span's up to a .303/.356/.497 line. Over the course of his on-base streak, he put up a .396/.463/.458 line.
Jordan Zimmermann on the mound tonight vs Bartolo Colon. 7:10 start time.
• Here are both lineups: