Werth out around 12 weeks after wrist surgery is deemed a success

Jayson Werth, who suffered a broken left wrist while diving for a ball in last night's loss to the Phillies, was set to have surgery today, an industry source confirmed this afternoon. The surgery is expected to keep Werth out somewhere in the neighborhood of 12 weeks, which means the Nationals right fielder is not expected to return until August. Werth was examined by a specialist today, and was expected to consult with the Mayo Clinic. The 32-year-old Werth had played in all but one game for the Nationals this season, and was hitting .276 with three home runs and 12 RBIs prior to suffering the wrist injury. Fortunately for Werth, the break was on the opposite side of the wrist from where he suffered a torn ligament in 2005, an injury which cost him much of two seasons and threatened to end his career. The Nats will move rookie Bryce Harper over to right field to replace Werth. Roger Bernadina and Xavier Nady will get the bulk of the starts in left field until Michael Morse returns from a lat strain, but manager Davey Johnson also will mix in Chad Tracy and Steve Lombardozzi in left. Update: Werth had successful surgery earlier today to repair a displaced left distal radius fracture, according to the team. The procedure was performed by Dr. Richard A. Berger at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Werth will begin rehabbing immediately and will be able to begin strengthening exercises at the six-week mark.