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VIERA, Fla. — The Washington Nationals’ Jayson Werth is back on the field, just not 100 percent yet.
Werth participated in outfield drills Thursday during the Nationals’ first full-squad workout Thursday. But the left fielder was generally limited as he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery.
Still, the fact Werth was with his teammates instead of hanging out with the trainers spoke volumes for manager Matt Williams.
“We didn’t force him to be out there,” Williams said. “He did it on his own. That’s a great sign for our team that he was out there, doing what he can and being with his teammates, imparting some knowledge to the young guys and being a part of it in that way until he can get back to playing status and go.”
Werth had arthroscopic surgery on Jan. 9 to repair the AC joint in his right shoulder and was expected to miss 2-3 months. Earlier this spring, general manager Mike Rizzo expressed optimism Werth would be ready by opening day and on Thursday, Werth sounded cautiously optimistic, saying, “That’s kind of my goal.”
At the same time, Werth doesn’t want to rush back before he’s ready.
“We’ve really got to get to that eight week point before you can really ramp up anything, and then again, it’s 8-12 weeks before you can really get back to normal activity,” Werth said.
A-Rod at full-squad workout
TAMPA, Fla. — Alex Rodriguez walked into the clubhouse at the New York Yankees spring training complex, slipped on his uniform for the first time in more than a year and quietly launched his comeback from a season-long suspension caused by performance-enhancing drugs.
About 500 fans showed up at Steinbrenner Field for the team’s first full-squad workout on Thursday, welcoming Rodriguez with cheers and words of encouragement.
The slugger, who hasn’t played since September 2013 of the suspension, took ground balls at third base and hit three home runs in 32 swings during batting practice.
K-Rod, Brewers agree to 2-year deal
PHOENIX — Closer Francisco Rodriguez and the Brewers agreed Thursday to a $13 million, two-year contract, a deal subject to the successful completion of a physical.
The 33-year-old Rodriguez revived his career last season, when he converted 44 of 49 save chances. Rodriguez went 5-5 with a 3.04 ERA, with 73 strikeouts and 14 home runs allowed in 68 innings.
Wainwright has abdominal strain
JUPITER, Fla. — Adam Wainwright has been diagnosed with an abdominal strain but the St. Louis ace could be available to pitch the Cardinals’ opener at Wrigley Field on April 5.
Wainwright strained the muscle on Monday while putting a 45-pound weight back on a rack. General manager John Mozeliak said Thursday the strain is about belt high.
Simmons slowed by oblique strain
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Atlanta Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons has a slight left oblique strain.
On the day of the team’s first full-squad workout, Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez couldn’t give a date when Simmons will be ready for exhibition games but said the injury wasn’t serious. Simmons fielded balls during workouts Thursday but didn’t hit or throw.