Werth sitting out second straight game due to "cranky" shoulder

Nationals manager Matt Williams decided to allow left fielder Jayson Werth to rest for a second straight game in Wednesday's series finale with the Marlins.

Williams said Werth's shoulder is still sore as he recovers from offseason surgery. The day off is "part of the progression" toward 100 percent health, the manager explained.

"It's going to be cranky from time to time," Williams said. "You know, surgery five months ago. It's part of the rehab process. You get through stuff like this over time. So it's a little cranky. With the off-day tomorrow, this is an opportunity to let it calm down as much as possible."

Williams said the shoulder soreness is nothing to be too alarmed about, just a case of a veteran player having his recovery time taking a bit longer.

"It's something you go through when you're coming back," Williams said. "And at 35 years old, it's a lot harder than when you're 22 and younger. He'll be ready to go Friday. He's available today, but available to start on Friday."

Werth has not hit for power since his return this season. He also has had a few misplays in the outfield. So is the concern more offensive or defensive?

"All around," Williams said. "We don't want to push him to the point where he gets into a hole and can't get out of it. So there are times where we're going to have to give him a day or two.

"(He is) just sore. It's natural stuff. Swinging the bat. Playing the field. Running against a wall. All of those things. It happens."

Williams also said a major part of Werth's recovery while on the job is building strength in the shoulder.

"He continues to do that," Williams said. "He's on a program to build the strength back up. But there are times when it's going to get sore. Today's one of those days."

Werth is available to pinch-hit. But it looks like Williams would prefer to give Werth the whole game off, followed by Thursday's scheduled day off, before a hopeful return for Friday's series opener against the Braves.