Adam Eaton could return this season despite ankle surgery

Adam Eaton will miss even more time for the Washington Nationals but could return this season.

Eaton underwent arthroscopic surgery on his ankle, the Nats said on Thursday. The surgery repaired a torn cartilage in Eaton’s ankle. According to MASN’s Dan Kolko, Eaton could still return this season.

Adam Eaton had arthroscopic surgery to repair a cartilage tear in his ankle. Will be immobilized in a walking boot for now and then begin rehabbing. A return this season is still in play.

— Dan Kolko (@masnKolko) May 10, 2018

Eaton has been out since April 8. He injured his ankle on a slide into home and had lingering pain, which is explained by the torn cartilage.

This is the second straight season where Eaton will miss significant time. The outfielder tore his ACL last year and was limited to just 23 games. He was batting .345 with a 1.079 OPS before getting hurt.