Nats make tough call sending Taylor back to minors as Span returns

By Josh Land

Nationals

April 19, 2015, 7:11am

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Center fielder Denard Span is back. The Nationals reinstated Span from the 15-day disabled list this morning and manager Matt Williams immediately placed the 31-year-old back in his familiar leadoff spot for today's game against the Phillies.

Span, who was already coming off hernia surgery when he arrived at spring training, only played in the Nationals' first Grapefruit League game before exiting with an abdominal injury. He underwent another procedure on March 9 to repair his right core muscle.

He's coming off a three-game rehab assignment with Double-A Harrisburg and Single-A Hagerstown, where he went 5-for-12 (.417) with one home run, two RBIs and one walk.

The eight-year veteran tied for the National League lead in hits last season with 184 and was recognized as a finalist for a Gold Glove in center field.

Span's return costs the Nationals one of their most productive players thus far. To make room on the 25-man roster, they optioned outfielder Michael A. Taylor to Triple-A Syracuse. Taylor, Span's replacement in the field and at the top of the lineup, was second only to right fielder Bryce Harper in total bases with 24 this season. His three doubles are tied for the team lead and his eight RBIs are tied for second-most on the team. Taylor leads all NL rookies with 13 hits.