Fansided

Ryan Zimmerman wants to be back for Washington Nationals’ final week

By Phil Watson

Jul 22, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Ryan Zimmerman (11) reacts after getting injured running out a single in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 22, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Ryan Zimmerman (11) reacts after getting injured running out a single in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Ryan Zimmerman, out since July 22 with a serious hamstring strain, has been cleared for simulated games and hopes to return to the Washington Nationals for the final week of the regular season.

According to Comcast Sports Net Washington, Zimmerman will play three innings at first base in a simulated game with other players in Viera, Fla., preparing for the Florida Instructional League.

In explaining why Zimmerman—a third baseman—will be at first for the simulation, Nationals manager Matt Williams said it boils down to expedience.

"“It’s kind of the easiest spot for him, so we’re able to simulate that a little bit more,” Williams said. “It’s a shorter distance for him to turn and run and get into game situations.”"

More from MLB

The plan is for Zimmerman to play five innings Wednesday—likely at third base or in left field, then DH on Thursday, play seven innings Saturday and nine innings Sunday.

If all goes well, Zimmerman could return for the Nationals’ series finale in Miami on Sunday and have a week of regular season games to get ready for the playoffs.

The Nationals came into Monday with a 10½-game lead over the Atlanta Braves in the National League East and a magic number of four. They opened a three-game series in Atlanta on Monday.

Zimmerman, who has also struggled with a shoulder injury that limits his throwing arm, is hitting .282/.345/.456 in 53 games this season, with 19 doubles, five homers and 36 RBI. He was an All-Star in 2009, the same year he was awarded a Gold Glove at third base.

He was the fourth overall pick in the 2005 draft by Washington after playing at the University of Virginia.

More on FanSided.com
Top 5 candidates for 2014 National League MVP
Jonathan Papelbon says he was adjusting equipment
Mets expected to bring back Alderson, Collins
MLB, union to talk domestic violence policy
Masahiro Tanaka returning to the Yankees?

Home/MLB