Werth going on DL with bruised foot, Raburn getting promoted

By Mark Zuckerman

Nationals

June 05, 2017, 2:06pm

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LOS ANGELES - Jayson Werth's left foot isn't seriously injured, but it is injured enough to require a stint on the disabled list.

The Nationals have placed Werth on the 10-day DL with a bruised foot and promoted veteran outfielder Ryan Raburn from Triple-A Syracuse to fill his roster spot for tonight's series opener against the Dodgers.

Werth fouled a ball off his foot in the ninth inning of Saturday's game in Oakland, then sat out Sunday's game. X-rays taken of his foot were negative for any fractures, but he needed crutches and a walking boot to get around after the game.

Though he'll need to take some time off now, Werth's injury has been diagnosed simply as a bruise, so there isn't fear of more significant damage, a club source said.

With Werth, Chris Heisey and Adam Eaton all on the DL, the Nationals' outfield depth is being severely tested. They're dipping into their organization to call up Raburn, who will join Bryce Harper, Michael A. Taylor and Brian Goodwin as the only true outfielders on the 25-man roster.

Raburn, 36, only joined the Nationals organization on May 26, traded from the White Sox for a player-to-be-named or cash considerations. A veteran of parts of 11 big league seasons, he owns a .253 average, 91 homers and .753 OPS with the Tigers, Indians and Rockies.

Raburn hit .261 in six games at Syracuse; he was hitting .274 with four homers and an .833 OPS overall at Triple-A this season, with most of that time spent for the White Sox's affiliate in Charlotte.

Needing to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Raburn, the Nationals designated Triple-A reliever Rafael MartÃn for assignment.