Nationals' Werth hopeful to be in lineup Opening Day

Washington Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth has set a tentative date for his return from offseason shoulder surgery. 

"I don't want to do anything to jeopardize the rest of my career but also want to get on the field and play," Werth told James Wagner of the National Post. 

"It's a balance. … As soon as I'm ready, I'll be back. … My goal is Opening Day. If I can't make Opening Day in D.C., then I want to make opening day in Boston. I'm going to try to be back as soon as I can without doing something stupid."

Werth underwent surgery to repair the AC joint in his throwing arm on Jan. 9, with an estimated recovery timetable of two-to-three months. 

The Nationals open their season April 6 against the New York Mets and travel to Philadelphia for a three-game set with the Phillies before heading to Boston. 

Werth appeared in 147 games last season, hitting .292/.394/.455 with 16 home runs and 82 RBIs.