NEW YORK (AP) - Scratched from Washington’s series finale in New York because of flu-like symptoms, Jordan Zimmermann may start the Nationals’ home opener Friday against Atlanta.
“We’ll get a report on him and certainly monitor him tonight and tomorrow and see where he’s at,” Nationals manager Matt Williams said after Thursday’s 8-2 win over the Mets, which completed a three-game sweep to start the season. “We don’t want to send him out there with him being really sick, so we’ll see how that goes in the morning.”
Washington’s second option Friday would be a series of relievers. David Hale is set to start for the Braves.
Replaced by Tanner Roark against the Mets, Zimmermann was given fluids and sent back to Washington ahead of the team. Williams said Zimmermann, who went 19-9 with a 3.25 ERA last year, was feeling fine Wednesday but took ill after the game.
“He’s running a fever. He was up all night throwing up,” Williams said. “Evidently he’s feeling pretty under the weather.”
NOTES: RHP Doug Fister, sidelined by a strained muscle on the right side of his upper back, played catch. He can be activated April 7. “He’s progressing,” Williams said.
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