While Waiting for Manager News, 3 Nationals Stars Have Surgery

The Nationals are reportedly making a deal with Arizona Diamondbacks third-base coach Matt Williams to manage the team next year. Sprucing up for the new skipper are three of their biggest stars. “Feel better soon” cards go to the following:

• Pitcher Stephen Strasburg had arthroscopic surgery in Los Angeles, California, to remove bone chips from his right elbow. He had complained of forearm tightness during the season.

• Slugger Bryce Harper, who spent much of June on the disabled list after klunking into a wall at Dodgers Stadium, had knee surgery in Vail, Colorado, to repair the bursa sac.

• First baseman Adam LaRoche, who complained of a left bicep strain at the end of the season, had left elbow surgery here in Washington.

According to various reports, all three will recuperate for four to six weeks and all are expected to be ready to go when spring training begins in February.

Harper tweeted about the surgery on Saturday, saying, “Be back strong as ever!”

Since everybody is finding out, everything went well on Wednesday! Thanks for all the support and prayers! Be back strong as ever! #Nats

— Bryce Harper (@Bharper3407) October 26, 2013

Carol Ross Joynt