Jayson Werth, Ryan Zimmerman nearing returns

By Josh Land

Nationals

July 25, 2015, 8:26pm

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PITTSBURGH - The Nationals added infielder Anthony Rendon back to their lineup on Saturday night and they appear to be closing on two more key players rejoining the ballclub.

Outfielder Jayson Werth was 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs while playing left field in Triple-A Syracuse's loss Saturday night. It was the 35-year-old's eighth minor league rehab game in the last 10 days. Werth has been on the disabled list since fracturing his left wrist on May 16.

First baseman Ryan Zimmerman played a full nine innings at first base for the first time in his rehab stint at Double-A Harrisburg on Saturday. Zimmerman was 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.

"I think they're both very good," Nationals manager Matt Williams said before Saturday's 9-3 win over the Pirates. "We'll get through the weekend and see where they're at and then have a better idea and move into the off-day and see what we can do. They're both feeling fine.

"Zim has been running fine - no issues. Jayson took some time to get back. He was in a splint. It takes time. But he's feeling good, too. We'll see where we're headed after Sunday's game and go from then."

Williams indicated earlier that the veterans could join the Nationals for their next series, which begins Tuesday in Miami.

Right-hander Stephen Strasburg (left oblique strain) came out of his 51-pitch simulated game on Friday feeling good. Williams expects Strasburg to make a minor league rehab start on Tuesday or Wednesday.