Jordan Zimmermann scratched from start for Washington Nationals

Mar 27, 2014; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; Washington Nationals staff check on starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (27) after being hit by a ball of the bat of New York Mets third baseman David Wright (not pictured) in spring training action at Tradition Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports /

Thursday’s day game against the New York Mets was scheduled to be the season opener for Washington Nationals right-hander Jordan Zimmermann, but unfortunately for the team and the pitcher, he has been scratched with flu-like symptoms.

Roark was scheduled to start tomorrow. Would think Nats hope Zimmermann feels well enough to pitch home opener vs Braves tomorrow now.
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) April 3, 2014

Mark Zuckerman of CSN Washington reports that the Nats will deploy young right-hander Tanner Roark in his place on Thursday, and if Zimmermann is back to full health on Friday, he will pitch against the Atlanta Braves. This is a non-story for the most part given that it isn’t a long-term ailment in any way, and frankly, it may line Washington up in better position given that they are projected to be a year-long battle with the Braves at the top of the NL East.

Nationals fans will get an early look at Roark, who was dreadful in Spring training despite being fantastic at the end of 2013, and that could go a long way in determining the future of the rotation, as Roark and Taylor Jordan are set to battle things out for the 5th starter position after Doug Fister returns. Stay tuned.

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