NLDS: Jordan Zimmermann would start Game 5 for Nationals

Jordan Zimmermann will be the starting pitcher for the Washington Nationals if they can force a Game 5 in the NLDS against the San Francisco Giants.

The Washington Nationals are trying to pull off the improbable against the San Francisco Giants in the NLDS. They traveled to San Francisco this week down 2-0 in the series and needing to win two games on the road to force a Game 5.

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They have done half the job, winning Game 3 and hanging tight in Game 4 with another chance to win. If the Nationals do manage to win again and force a decisive final game back in Washington D.C., they will start Jordan Zimmermann.

That might seem obvious given Zimmermann’s near-complete game this past weekend, but remember this: it was Stephen Strasburg, and not Zimmermann, who started the opening game of this series.

Jon Heyman reports the news.

nats havent announced it, but they are planning to pitch jordan zimmermann in game 5. cant blame 'em. hot pitcher.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 8, 2014

The Nationals haven’t announced it, of course, because it would be foolish to get ahead of themselves when their season might end after Game 4.

Goodness knows that the Nationals have options when it comes to their pitching staff. By using Zimmermann in a potential Game 5, the Nationals will have Strasburg available out of the bullpen (and presumably in Game 4 too, if they wanted).

Zimmermann was one out away from a complete game shutout in Game 2. He would love to have another shot at the Giants, and here’s betting that Matt Williams would love to have another shot at having him on the mound too.

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