Washington Nationals outfielder Adam Eaton reportedly underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove a  cartilage tear in his ankle, according to the Washington Post's Chelsea Janes. 

Eaton is expected to return this season, per Janes, but a timetable for recovery has yet to be finalized. 

The Nationals acquired Eaton from the White Sox in December 2016 as part of a blockbuster deal that sent prized pitching prospect Lucas Giolito to Chicago. 

Eaton's 2017 season came to a premature end when he suffered a torn ACL during a game against the New York Mets on April 28. His knee buckled after hitting the bag to beat out an infield single. 

Because of that injury to Eaton, the Nationals know how to handle life without the 29-year-old. Michael A. Taylor was used as Washington's primary center fielder in his absence. Taylor has a .186/.261/.310 slash line this season with 10 stolen bases in 38 games. 

The loss of Eaton is a huge blow to Washington's lineup. He had a .393 on-base percentage prior to going down in 2017. 

In his first eight games this season, Eaton slashed .345/.424/.655 with five RBI and a pair of home runs.