After losing five straight games and seven of their last 10, the Washington Nationals have been hoping for just the slightest bit of good news. They received some positive news this weekend was center fielder Denard Span was cleared to start a rehab assignment in Class-A Potomac.
Span has been on the disabled list since July 10 with back spasms that first popped up a month before. In mid-July Span's back improved but it worsened again after more running and baseball activities. He spent more time resting and started swinging and taking fly balls upon feeling better, but recently told The Washington Post that he was unsure if he would return this season.
Now Span's back has made improvements again and after running, taking batting practice and doing fielding drills this week, he has been cleared to head out on a rehab assignment. While it's uncertain how long Span will be out on a rehab assignment, he is a pivotal piece for this team and will be welcomed back in a big way.
Span was slashing .304/.367/.430 with 11 stolen bases and 37 runs scored in 59 games this season. While he was on the disabled list, 24-year-old Michael Taylor started in his place. Taylor is one of the Nationals' top prospects and projects as a 20-home run and 20-stolen base player, but was slashing .243/.287/.380 with 10 home runs, 15 stolen bases and 114 strikeouts in 345 at-bats. When Span returns, Taylor will return to being the Nationals' fourth outfielder, with his ability to pinch-hit and play all three positions.
Fantasy Spin
Before his injury, Span was a very productive fantasy outfielder who supplied a high average, on-base percentage, stolen bases and runs. If he can stay healthy and not suffer any setbacks, Span becomes a must-start fantasy player surrounded by talent in the Nationals' lineup. He won't provide much power but as a leadoff hitter, he gives you everything you could ask for. In re-draft leagues, Taylor is still worth hanging on to with the probability of Span having a setback.