Nationals' Rendon has 2nd MRI on knee, doubtful for opener

Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon remains unlikely to be ready for Opening Day after a second MRI on his left knee only showed minor improvement.

Manager Matt Williams said Wednesday that Rendon's MCL is better than it was when he sprained it three weeks ago, but he's not healthy enough to return to game action.

"Everything's healing," Williams told reporters. "It’s not going as fast as everybody hoped, including Anthony."

Williams admitted the injury is likely to keep Rendon sidelined for the club's April 6 opener against the New York Mets, though the team does not expect the 24-year-old to miss much more time than that.

"Swing-wise, it doesn't take him long," he said. "Defensively, it doesn't take him long. His arm's in shape. But he's got to get in games. That's the issue."