Williams on young outfielders Taylor and Harper, and day off for Werth

Center fielder Denard Span has now played through two rehab games and is closer to returning from right core muscle surgery. Span went through a full workout at Nats Park on Saturday morning. Nationals manager Matt Williams said Span is closer to being activated.

One big question the Nationals must answer when Span returns is what to do with the current starting center fielder, Michael A. Taylor.

Should the Nats keep Taylor on the 25-man roster as a super-sub, or get him back to Triple-A Syracuse for consistent at-bats?

"Well, we will evaluate. We'd like all of it for Taylor, for Mikey," Williams said. "But the question always becomes what's best for him. We'll sit, we'll discuss. Everybody certainly has an opinion on it. We look at these things and look at the best for the young player, first and foremost. What's best for him for his development and what's best for him for his future?"

Williams said there also could be a spot for Taylor on the bench because of his defensive versatility and potent bat.

"Could be, there could," Williams said. "And the fact that Mike can play all three positions is important. Days like today where (Jayson Werth's) not in there and days upcoming for Denard if we get to a point were he's played a bunch in a row and needs a day then yeah, there's starts in there. The question for any young player, the consistent at-bats are what really makes your season. That's why we have a minor league system, is because you can give those guys consistent at-bats and they can improve and get better. It's a tough question, ultimately a question we're going to have to answer. We have to look at Michael, at what's best for him, too."

Taylor has shown he can crank it up, with two homers and eight RBIs in the first two weeks of the season. And he hasn't been shy about taking charge on defense.

"I think he's been powerful," Williams said. "I think he's come up with some really big hits for us. Zoning in. His strike zone is part of his development that he'll get better and better at. We've seen it in recent days. He's not necessarily going to let that ball drop anymore. He went all the way to left field last night to catch a fly ball.

"Regardless of who plays out there, he's the center fielder and he has priority. We've seen that improvement. We've seen on the other side of it. Last night, he threw a ball he probably shouldn't have thrown. That's part of it, being a young player. It all lends to itself and those improvements will be made."

Overall, considering Taylor is 24 years old, Williams sees a lot of progress.

"For me so far this year, I think he has done fantastic given the fact that he has limited minor league experience and he's thrust into a situation where he's playing in the big leagues and leading off or getting important at-bats for us," Williams said. "He's played really well."

Right fielder Bryce Harper is also showing his aggressive style on defense and has made some plays with his glove and arm.

"I think it's good. He went up on the wall last night and just missed one. Twice now in our games, he's gone up and just missed," Williams said. "I think the reputation comes with him a little bit. We've seen a few instances where guys haven't gone first to third where they might've made it. But that reputation is there knowing that he's got a really strong arm and it's really accurate. I think he's comfortable. He's played well."

Left fielder Jayson Werth will get a scheduled day off Saturday. Williams said it's not because of an injury, but just pacing his veteran outfielder early in the season.

"He's gone a bunch in a row," Williams said. "We've got to make sure we take care of him, especially early so he can get through the full season. But coming off the surgery, it's something we have to do. It's just an off-day for him."