Sep 26, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Michael Taylor (18) stands in the on deck circle during the fourth inning against the Miami Marlins in game two of a baseball doubleheader at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
After losing one centerfielder for the season, the Washington Nationals received some good news on another Friday.
Michael Taylor, who has been a mainstay in the lineup since Denard Span was sidelined for seven weeks, said tests came back clean on his right knee, which he hurt while crashing into the wall in Thursday's game.
The Nationals cannot afford to lose Taylor for an extended period of time after learning Friday that Span will undergo season-ending surgery on Tuesday to repair a damaged labrum in his left hip. Washington recalled outfielder Matt den Dekker to take the roster slot of Span.
Third baseman Yunel Escobar, who was hit in the hand by a pitch in Thursday's game, will join Taylor on the sidelines Friday against the Miami Marlins. Bryce Harper will start in center and rookie Trea Turner will make his first career start at second base in the Nationals' makeshift lineup.
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