Jayson Werth knew something was wrong with his left wrist. Now, he has the test results to confirm it.
According to MLB.com, a CT scan of the Nationals outfielder’s left wrist shows two small fractures. The Nationals have not confirmed the results, which came after earlier X-rays and an MRI did not reveal any breaks.
Werth is expected to be sidelined until at least August.
The 36-year-old has not played since May 15, after being hit on the wrist by a 92 mph fastball from Padres right-hander Odrisamer Despaigne. Werth told reporters the next day the injury reminded him of when he broke the same wrist in 2005 while with the Dodgers. Werth missed the entire 2006 season after having surgery on that wrist.
Werth also broke his left wrist while diving for a ball in 2012, forcing him to miss 75 games. Dr. Richard Berger, who operated on Werth after that injury, believes Werth can return to action as early as August, according to MLB.com.
Even before the injury, Werth had gotten off to a slow start, with a .208/.294/.287 line in 119 plate appearances.
Nats manager Matt Williams is relying on a three-way platoon of Tyler Moore, Michael Taylor and Clint Robinson to fill Werth’s spot in the lineup.