VIERA, Fla. | In a camp filled with injuries to pitchers and hitters, the Washington Nationals’ Jordan Zimmermann sprawled on the mound Monday was disconcerting.
Zimmermann, moved up to his knees, located the baseball Houston Astros left fielder Robbie Grossman just hit back toward his head region, then released a wayward, sidearmed throw to first base that was an error.
The immediate concern was Zimmermann’s health. But, as quickly as nervousness about what happened to Zimmermann rose, it was relieved.
The line drive had only hit the right-hander in the glove. He didn’t need a warmup pitch before facing the next batter. His biggest issue was being irritated with his throw to first.
“I saw him, he was only halfway down the line and I thought I had plenty of time,” Zimmermann said. “I pick up the ball and he’s getting close and I rushed it. I dropped down, threw it sidearm and it was just a terrible throw. The error kind of made me mad more than anything.”
Zimmermann threw a spring high four innings and 61 pitches. He allowed one unearned run and three hits. He struck out three Astros. Zimmermann’s spring ERA is 1.04.
“Feel good,” Zimmermann said. “Just getting stronger every time out. Just going a little longer each start. I felt good today.”
Mike Carp, fighting for a bench role, was 2-for-2 in the Nationals’ 2-1 win against the Astros.
Solis, Goodwin sent out
Left-handed pitchers Sammy Solis and Felipe Rivero and outfielder Brian Goodwin were sent to minor-league camp Monday.
“Goody’s ready to play,” Williams said. “His at-bats are going to be limited here from a backup perspective. Get a chance to go to minor league camp and get a lot of at-bats.”
Goodwin is the ninth-ranked prospect in the Nationals’ organization, according to Baseball America. He hit .219 last season for Triple-A Syracuse.
Solis is the 15th-ranked prospect. His future pitching role is up in the air, Williams said.
“He’s versatile,” Williams said. “He has started. He is potentially a power lefty out of the bullpen, so he can do both. The question that arises is the resiliency of his arm. So, he’ll get a chance to do a little bit of that and see how that goes. We know he can start.”
Solis went from rookie ball all the way to Double-A Hagerstown last season.
Escobar moving forward, Rendon stalled
Second baseman Yunel Escobar did more “rotational stuff” Monday, according to Williams. Escobar is recovering from a Grade 1 oblique strain. He began light physical activity Sunday. Escobar’s recovery is key because he is learning a new position with a new team that also has a new first baseman. He has just 20 career starts at second base.
Third baseman Anthony Rendon is still sore from a sprained MCL in his left knee. Williams said they are continuing to be cautious with Rendon.
“Keeping in mind, he’s going to need some at-bats,” Williams said. “We do run out of time, eventually.”
Also, closer Drew Storen threw Monday for the first time since having surgery last Friday to remove the hook of hamate bone in his non-throwing hand.
Reviews of Zimmerman at first continue to be positive
Williams arrived later than usual Sunday when the Nationals traveled to play the Houston Astros in Kissimmee, Florida. He had stayed behind to work in the field with some of the regulars — including Ian Desmond and Ryan Zimmerman — on faster-paced infield drills.
Zimmerman continues to adapt to first base, though he is doing so without the expected starting second and third basemen on the field for much of the spring. Williams said Zimmerman has done well in drills. Keys for him are knowing when and where to handle cutoff throws. He is also working on the inside pivot for throws to second base with a runner in the basepath, modifying his throwing motion in order to make an accurate throw.
“I just think he’s more comfortable,” Williams said.
• Todd Dybas can be reached at tdybas@washingtontimes.com.
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