MIAMI — Ryan Zimmerman rejoined the Nationals at Marlins Park on Friday night and could potentially start Saturday, according to manager Matt Williams.
Zimmerman played seven innings in left field and went 3 for 8 with one home run Friday in the team’s instructional league in Viera, Florida. He then traveled from Viera to Marlins Park and arrived in time for the first inning of action, watching the game from the dugout.
“I think he’s accomplished everything he needs to,” Williams said. “I think he’s ready to go.”
Zimmerman strained his right hamstring and was placed on the disabled list July 23. With the recent completion of the minor league season, he instead made rehabilitation appearances in simulated games in Viera.
He worked his way from three innings in the field to five and finally seven, playing multiple positions and notching more than 30 at-bats along the way. In Williams’ eyes, he was able to sufficiently test the hamstring both on the base paths and in the outfield.
“He’s answered every question down there,” Williams said. “The question would be whether he would play [Saturday] here, or whether he needs a day.”
Upon his return, Zimmerman could play third base, first base or left field. Williams said the veteran will also come off the bench and pinch-hit in some of the games he does not start. The goal is to play Zimmerman at several positions over the remaining regular-season games, allowing him to adjust and build confidence before the postseason.
“He needs to play,” Williams said. “But it depends on how he feels, too. He’s sore right now. It’s like spring training. I don’t think it’s hamstring sore. I think it’s just general body soreness.”
Zimmerman is one of the longest-tenured Nationals and has long been considered one of the faces of the franchise. He is hitting .282 with five homers and 36 RBI so far this year and will provide a huge boost for the Nationals, both on the field and off.
“It’s like making a trade for a proven run-producer,” Williams said. “Of course we want him to be productive, and we want him to feel good about it. But at the same time, you have to give guys days off in order for him to get in there. So it’s a good time. It’s a good opportunity to be able to play him five innings in a position and have a lot of guys to pick him up in that regard, too.”
Zimmerman will almost certainly be included on Washington’s postseason roster, but his role entering the playoffs is uncertain. Williams said much of it depends on his health.
“It’s really reliant on that,” Williams said. “How he is able to go first to third or first to home is really important. And in what role he would be used in. Of course we have no idea who we’re going to play or when or how at this point. But we just know that he’s a guy that we want on our roster.”
• Tom Schad can be reached at tschad@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.