Span gets day off with back tightness, Roark shines at Potomac

Center fielder Denard Span is not in the lineup tonight. The Nationals put left fielder Jayson Werth back in the leadoff role for Thursday night's series finale against the San Diego Padres.

Manager Matt Williams said it was nothing serious for Span, who has been on the disabled list already twice this season and has had recurring issues with his back. Instead, it is just a day off because of what Span told Williams this morning.

"Yesterday, coming in, he was a little bit tight (and) loosened up fine," Williams said. "Early morning conversation today getting out of bed, he was a little stiff."

Williams was quick to clarify that Span had not suffered a back spasm or a setback that forced him to miss 40 games over the past month and a half.

"He hasn't experienced a spasm," Williams confirmed. "Again, it's having some time off and getting back into it. You go through the rehab process in the minor leagues. We certainly want him back as quickly as possible. He feels good enough to go, but we're just going to have to make sure that we monitor it as we go. It's just a day today. He's certainly available off the bench if need be."

Outfielder Reed Johnson, who is on the 15-day disabled list with a calf injury, has had a setback. Earlier this week, Williams said Johnson strained his oblique while sneezing.

But Williams reported today that Johnson had an MRI on his core region today that revealed a broken rib and not just an oblique strain. He is out an additional four to six weeks, which pretty much scuttles his season. Johnson originally went on the disabled list with a calf injury on April 29.

"It probably changes things drastically for him," Williams said.

Outfielder Nate McLouth is in Florida and has done some rehab from home. He has been on the DL since April 5 with right shoulder surgery.

"Nate's had setbacks and just hasn't been able to get over that hump yet," Williams said. "He's doing everything that he can do to get that shoulder back going the way he wants it to go."

McLouth is in the final year of a two-year deal that is paying him $10.75 million, plus a 2016 option. But unfortunately this season has pretty much been a total wash for McLouth, who was expected to play a critical utility role off the bench.

"It's difficult," Williams said. "It's difficult. Being a major part of the plan for the last two years and not being able to get out there is difficult for anybody. But he also had a major surgery. We just want him to get healthy and is able to play again."

Right-hander David Carpenter also has had a slow recovery from right shoulder inflammation, while infielder Dan Uggla has rehabbed at high Single-A Potomac as he works through a back spasm.

"Carpy's had some soreness after he threw his last game, so he's back here doing his throwing program," Williams said. "Ugg's is going to get back playing again, but it's a day for him. Good work day."

Right-hander Tanner Roark was outstanding for Potomac last night, tossing four scoreless innings with five strikeouts. Roark will start next week for the P-Nats when they get back from a short trip to Salem for the next four games.

"Talked to him. Felt good," Williams said. "Threw the ball where he wanted to throw it, all four pitches. Got to 60-ish (pitches), so next time out he'll (throw) 75, depending on how it goes and he should be ready to go. But he felt good, pitched well."