Werth upbeat his return is close, begins running tomorrow

Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth has been engaging in batting practice to start this homestand against the Marlins. He was seen taking swings last week during batting practice at Marlins Park, and that continued here at Nats Park.

Werth has been on the disabled list since June 4 with a contusion that turned out to be a broken bone in his left foot. He has missed 57 games.

Today he participated in a simulated game during early afternoon workouts, with right-hander Stephen Strasburg throwing three innings.

Werth met with reporters afterwards to discuss his progress. He believes he could be sent out on a rehab assignment in the next couple of weeks. The next step is getting back into a running routine.

"It's going as good, I guess, as to be expected. Coming along, as they say. It's just one of those things you got to go through the progression. I don't know. Within the week or two should be heading out to play some more. But haven't been running for, it's been nine weeks now.

"Probably going to take some time to get the legs in shape. Get up to speed. Been taking a lot of at-bats, swinging. Last few times I've done this it's been a wrist. Those can take time to get your swing back. Hopefully, that won't take much time and get in shape pretty quick and get back here."

Werth believes he could do some on-field running as early as Thursday pregame. He was seen shagging fly balls during Wednesday's batting practice.

"Should get on the field tomorrow," Werth said. "Probably do some jogging, some agility stuff and it'll progress from there. Bone is pretty significant when it comes to running, so it just takes time."

Werth reflected that he has not let any frustration creep in during his rehab from this foot injury. One reason he hasn't been demoralized is how good this Nats team is, represented by their double-digit division lead on Aug. 9.

"It's nice to be on a club that's got a nice lead," Werth said. "Guys are playing great. Guys they brought up are playing great ... so that speaks to the depth of the organization and where we are at as a franchise. It's good to be a part of this thing.

"Got to be happy with how things are, the way they are looking and what we got ahead of us. For me, I'm just hoping to get healthy and get strong and get back to playing the type of baseball I can play and being a part of this whole thing."

Comparing his current injury with a past wrist injury, Werth noted that, with the wrist, he could run, but his swing took time to get back. His foot injury affected the foot he turns when swinging. But that he can go through a full batting practice and recover well the next day is a good indication that the pressure and turning he puts on his foot are not an issue this far into his recovery.

"I've been pretty active," Werth noted. "Obviously, I was in a boot and couldn't do a whole lot in the beginning. I've been training, I've been biking. I've been in the water swimming. I've been doing a ton of things to stay in shape. It hasn't been too bad. Obviously, when you're out it's the worst place to be."

But even being on the shelf for over two months now, Werth is looking forward and seeing an opportunity to return soon.

"Luckily, there's some light at the end of the tunnel here, and I think I'm going to get back right in time for postseason and the run in September," Werth concluded. "Not that those are the only games to play in, but if you had to choose you'd want to be ready for those games versus not. Hopefully, this is our year."