Ryan Zimmerman took batting practice and fielded grounders on Wednesday.
When Zimmerman returns to the lineup of the Washington Nationals he is expected to rotate between third base, first base and left field.
“Today,” Manager Matt Williams said, “was a big day for him.”
While Zimmerman played catch from 120 feet away and fielded grounders he did no work from third base. He is expected to take grounders there on Thursday according to the Washington Post.
“He looked good,” General Manager Mike Rizzo said. “He had strength. The balls he didn’t center up [with the bat], by the vibration of the bat he didn’t have any pain. It looks like he’s got good strength to it. He’s always quick to return, getting his timing and his eye back. I like the way he looked today.”
Zimmerman has already missed 40 games this season. A year ago he hit .275/.344/.465 with 26 home runs with 79 RBI.
“I feel comfortable wherever 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 pretty much anywhere else on the baseball and not look out of place. I take pride in being a pretty good athlete.”
