Viera, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon will begin the upcoming 2015 season on the disabled list as he continues to recover from a sprained left knee.
Rendon, who finished fifth in voting for last year's National League Most Valuable Player Award, suffered the injury in a spring training game on March 9 and hasn't played since. The 2014 Silver Slugger winner received a third opinion on his knee Tuesday in Vail, Colorado which confirmed the previous diagnosis of an MCL sprain, according to MLB.com.
Nationals manager Matt Williams said Wednesday that a timetable has yet to be set for Rendon's return.
Yunel Escobar is expected to move from second base to third during Rendon's absence, with Danny Espinosa slated to fill in at second.
Williams also said Wednesday that Jayson Werth is unlikely to be ready for Monday's opener against the New York Mets as well. The veteran outfielder, who underwent shoulder surgery in January, has been limited to only minor league games this spring.
Rendon hit .287 with 21 homers, 83 RBI and 17 steals last season, his first full one in the majors. Werth batted .292 with 16 homers and 82 RBI over 147 games in 2014.
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