Ryan Zimmerman could start in Game 3 for Washington Nationals

Ryan Zimmerman may start game 3 for the Washington Nationals

The San Francisco Giants lead their NLDS against the Washington Nationals, 2-0, and Nationals manager Matt Williams is considering adding an established hitter to the starting lineup against ace Madison Bumgarner in Game Three:

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Ryan Zimmerman was relegated to a

bench

role for the NLDS after injuries of a broken thumb and a torn right hamstring limited the former third baseman to just 61 games in 2014. Zimmerman has not played third base since returning from the injury and would replace either first baseman Adam LaRoche or left fielder Bryce Harper in the lineup.

Ryan Zimmerman said he wasn’t quite at 100 percent, but was healthy enough to run the bases. He’s been mostly limited to pinch-hitting duties and doesn’t have a good track record against the left-handed Bumgarner, albeit in a sample too small to consider seriously (3-17 with a home run and a walk against Bumgarner in his career).

Ryan Zimmerman didn’t take ground balls at first base on Friday, and practiced in left field, suggesting that if Ryan Zimmerman is in the Game Three lineup on Monday, he’s likely going to replace one of Washington’s best hitters, Harper, in the lineup.

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