PITTSBURGH — The Nationals are getting closer to full health.
Washington activated second baseman Anthony Rendon from the disabled list Saturday, and left fielder Jayson Werth could come off the DL as soon as Tuesday night for the opener of a three-game series against the Marlins in Miami.
First baseman Ryan Zimmerman also could return by the end of the week.
“They’re getting there,” manager Matt Williams said Sunday after the Nationals’ 3-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. “They’re close.”
Werth, who has been out since May 16 with a fractured left wrist, is scheduled to be examined by the Nationals medical staff Monday after playing in his sixth game of a rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday.
Werth also played in six games with Class A Potomac. He is 12-for-36 (.333) with two doubles and a home run in the combined 12 games.
Zimmerman (plantar fasciitis in left foot) had the day off Sunday with Double-A Harrisburg but is expected to play Monday, then be examined by the medical staff Tuesday. He has gone just 1-for-15 (.067) in five games.
“They’re both feeling fine,” Williams said. “Zim has been running fine with no issues. Jayson took some time to get back. He was in splint. It takes time, but he’s feeling good, too.”
Rendon missed a month with a left quadriceps strain.
Despite missing so many key players, the Nationals are 52-45 and lead the National League East by two games over the New York Mets.