05.30.2014 Espindola and D.C. United to take on defending MLS champion Sporting KC 14
In Position to Change
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Series Preview FRIDAY
Zimmerman might play left field when he returns from DL
7:05 P.M., MASN
Colby Lewis (4-3, 5.10 ERA) vs. Stephen Strasburg (3-4, 3.42 ERA) SATURDAY 12:05 P.M., MASN, MLBN
Nationals
Nick Tepesch (2-0, 2.95 ERA) vs. Doug Fister (2-1, 3.42 ERA)
Ryan Zimmerman showed that he hasn’t lost any power during batting practice Wednesday, when he launched a pitch to the seating area underneath the Red Porch. But this question still remains for Zimmerman, who’s been struggling at third for years and is still on the disabled list with a broken
SUNDAY
Errors committed by Ryan Zimmerman in 286 games from 2012 to 2013 — the second-most among third basemen over that span.
thumb: Where will he play defensively when he returns? “He can play both corners of the infield, he could play short if we need him to play short, and he can play left [field],” manager Matt Williams said. With Ian Desmond at shortstop and Adam LaRoche at first base, the lone two options for the remainder of 2014 appear to be third base or left field — at least for as long as Bryce Harper remains out with his own thumb injury. Here are the arguments for Zimmerman at either position:
Third base Throughout his career, Zimmerman has been instinctive at third, reacting quickly to hardhit grounders. But he’s dealt with shoulder problems that have led to unpredictable throwing errors. However, there might not be a
GENE J. PUSKAR (AP)
Yu Darvish (4-2, 2.35 ERA) vs. Tanner Roark (3-3, 3.47 ERA)
JONATHAN ERNST (GETTY IMAGES)
40
1:35 P.M., MASN
Who’s Hot? Nate McLouth, Nats: In the past week, McLouth has six hits in 14 atbats (.429) and three stolen bases. On Wednesday, he went 4-for-4 with two RBIs and a walk. The Nationals’ Ryan Zimmerman has played only one game in his entire career at a position other than third base.
better option for the Nats. Anthony Rendon has a modest .957 fielding percentage on the hot corner, and second baseman Danny Espinosa is in the midst of a hitting slump. Utility man Kevin Frandsen, batting .239, is not adding much at the plate. Zimmerman took some grounders on Wednesday at first base and was expected to receive work at third on Thursday. “Zim looks like Zim; he looked good,” Rendon said. “Obviously he will be a good addition whenever he gets back.”
“Ryan Zimmerman, one of the best, most acrobatic and graceful third basemen of his generation … is trying … to say goodbye to the position he has always loved.” — WA SHING TON POST COLUMNIST
THOM A S BOSW ELL , WHO WROTE THAT ZIMMERMAN’S APPOINTMENT WITH LEFT FIELD MAY BE IMMINENT. FOR BOSWELL’S COMPLETE COLUMN, VISIT
washingtonpost.com.
Left field Zimmerman, 29, is athletic enough to make the transition to the outfield. The move could also help his shoulder down the road.
At third, Zimmerman has to rely mostly on arm strength to fire a ball to first base. In the outfield, a running start is used for
most throws, which would take some strain off of Zimmerman’s shoulder. With LaRoche hitting well, the possibility of his 2015 mutual option being picked up has increased, which could hurt Denard Span’s chances of being brought back. If so, Harper could move to center with Zimmerman playing left field for seasons to come. A head start now would make sense if this is the way the club is leaning. “I feel comfortable wherever it makes sense for me to help the team win,” Zimmerman said. “I think anybody in this clubhouse would do that. I’m not sure if I could pitch or catch, but I feel like I could play anywhere else on the baseball field and not look out of place.” JASON BUT T (FOR E XPRESS)
Who’s Not? Jordan Zimmermann, Nats: In his past four starts, Zimmermann has allowed 15 earned runs as his ERA has gone from 2.92 after his May 5 start to 4.07 after Wednesday’s.
By the Numbers Entering Thursday’s games NATS
RANGERS
Runs scored 203 227 Runs allowed 202 238 Home runs 47 34 Runs allowed by bullpen 52 82