WASHINGTON -- Nationals center fielder Denard Span will not play another game this season as the outfielder is expected to have surgery on his left hip Tuesday, according to a baseball source. The Nats did not confirm the report.According to the source, the hip started bothering Span after he received a cortisone shot for his back several weeks ago. It's not known how long Span will be out of commission after having the surgery.
Span was formally placed on the disabled list Friday, retroactive to Thursday, with left hip inflammation. The Nationals recalled outfielder Matt den Dekker from Triple-A Syracuse to take Span's spot on the roster.
Span was activated from the DL on Tuesday after being out two months due to back tightness and abdominal issues. He played two games and went 2-for-9 with a run scored. After Thursday's 4-2 victory, manager Matt Williams hinted that Span could be done for the year."We have to make sure we are mindful of him, his back and his hips," Williams said. "So it's unclear right now. I would imagine it's going to be very tough for him to get back."The Span era could be over in Washington, because he will be a free agent after this season and Michael Taylor is expected to be the starting center fielder next year. It's not known if the Nationals will extend a qualifying offer to Span. But he has been a tremendous leadoff hitter with the Nats, hitting .292 w ith a .345 on-base percentage in three years with the club.Ryan Zimmerman made it known he wants Span to return to the team."It has been a tough year for him," Zimmerman said. "You feel bad for a guy like that who goes out and plays hard every day. Unfortunately, it was always something with him. I'm sure it's frustrating for him. He is a good teammate, a friend. It is tough to see that."den Dekker hit .184 (9-for-49) in 26 games over four separate stints with the Nationals this year.
Bill Ladson/ MLB.com
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