RADIO
Washington National's starting center fielder Denard Span is set to miss at least four to six weeks with an abdominal injury he suffered last Thursday during a spring training game. Span, 31, was vital part of Washington's 96 win season in 2014 producing a .302/.355/.416 slash line, while playing stellar defense in center field. Span underwent a brief, successful surgical procedure on Monday to fix the injury, but he is still a ways away from returning to the diamond.
The Nationals are considered one of the deepest teams in baseball, so they should manage to keep their head above water while Span recovers. Even though starting left fielder Jayson Werth and fourth outfielder Nate McLouth are both still rehabbing shoulder surgeries, they are both optimistic they will be ready for Opening Day.
Should those two miss the opener, the Nationals still have options. Top prospect Michael Taylor saw time in center field for Washington towards the end of last season and the five-tool prospect is widely considered ready for MLB action after producing a very impressive .304/.390/.526 slash line over both the Double-A and Triple-A levels of Washington's minor league system last year. Newly acquired Tony Gwynn Jr. also provides outfield depth on the Nats roster and, like Taylor, he can play all across the outfield.
Span is not the only significant player to deal with abdominal issues this spring as Adam Wainwright of the St. Louis Cardinals has also experienced some discomfort there early on during camp. While the Nationals will miss their leadoff hitter to begin the season, they are a deep enough team to get through this injury and continue to be one of the most competitive clubs in baseball.
