Washington Nationals starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets on Wednesday, July 18, 2012, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann tossed seven innings, giving up one run on eight hits and three walks in his team's 11-5 win over the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday night. (AP Photo/Barry Gutierrez)
Washington Nationals' Stephen Lombardozzi (1) congratulates Jordan Zimmermann after he hit a solo home run against the Miami Marlins during the third inning of a baseball game at Marlins Park in Miami, Monday, May 28, 2012. The Marlins won 5-3. (AP Photo/Joel Auerbach)
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann delivers to the Houston Astros during the first inning in Washington on Wednesday, April 18, 2012. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
andrew harnik/the washington times
The Nationals feature a formidable four of (from left) Jordan Zimmermann, Gio Gonzalez, Edwin Jackson and Stephen Strasburg. Washington traded for Gonzalez in December, and Jackson signed as a free agent in February.
Washington Nationals starter Jordan Zimmermann delivers against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning of a spring training baseball game in Fort Myers, Fla., Monday, April 2, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Nationals right-hander Jordan Zimmermann posted a 3.18 ERA in 2011, striking out 124 and walking 31 in 161 1/3 innings. He was coming off elbow ligament-replacement surgery. (Associated Press)
Gio Gonzalez, greeting members of the media at Nationals Park, will be part of a rotation that includes Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)
Washington Nationals pitcher Jordan Zimmermann throws against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning of a baseball game on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2011, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (AP Photo/David Kohl)
Washington Nationals pitcher Jordan Zimmermann wipes his head after Arizona Diamondbacks' Sean Burroughs hit a two-run home run in the seventh inning. The Nats lost 2-0. (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez)
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann gave up two earned runs in 5 2/3 innings Friday against the Colorado Rockies. He struck out eight. (AP Photo/Barry Gutierrez)
Washington Nationals starter Jordan Zimmermann follows through with a pitch during the second inning of a baseball game against the Florida Marlins at Nationals Park on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann delivers against the Colorado Rockies during the fourth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, July 10, 2011, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Nationals pitcher Jordan Zimmermann tossed his first complete game in the 1-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Wednesday, giving up an unearned run on four hits and striking out four in eight innings. (AP Photo/Christine Cotter)