District Daily: Nationals News 5/14
By Kenny DeJohn
Apr 12, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) reacts to being picked off in the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
The Washington Nationals have some injury news this morning, but there’s also a chance GM Mike Rizzo swings a deal for a player or two in a few months time. Check out all the latest Nats news below.
Zimmerman’s fractured thumb not yet healed
PHOENIX — Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman recently had X-rays done on his fractured right thumb, and they revealed that he is not close to doing any thumb exercises. The problem is that the thumb hasn’t healed. There is no timetable as to when it will be 100 percent.
“The doctor is not comfortable with him doing any strengthening stuff — yet,” manager Matt Williams said. “I imagine we go back to that within a week and see where he is at. .. It’s been four weeks and he is not quite there yet.”
Zimmerman fractured his thumb against the Braves on April 12 while going back to second base on a pickoff attempt. With the Braves leading, 4-1, in the fifth inning, Zimmerman hit a one-out double before being picked off by left-hander Alex Wood. Zimmerman then looked at his right hand and was slow to get up. He then walked into the dugout and was taken out of the game. Read full article here.
Barrett OK after minor knee injury
PHOENIX — Reliever Aaron Barrett is OK to pitch for the Nationals if needed Tuesday against the D-backs. On Monday, he entered the game in the seventh inning and stretched his patella tendon in his right knee while throwing a pitch to Paul Goldschmidt.
Manager Matt Williams and athletic trainer Lee Kuntz came to Barrett’s aid, but Barrett stayed in the game and pitched one shutout inning. After the inning ended, Barrett was seen limping into the dugout.
Barrett did not get an MRI on the knee. All he did was put ice on it. The injury is nothing new to Barrett. It happened while he was pitching for Double-A Harrisburg last year. Read full article here.
4 Potential Deals Mike Rizzo Should Propose at the Deadline
(Will Grooms, BleacherReport.com)
With nearly a quarter of the 2014 Major League Baseball season expired, the Washington Nationals sit two games over .500 and in second place in the National League East.
The good news, despite trailing the Atlanta Braves, is that the Nationals’ deficit in the division is just 1.5 games.
Washington has seen the recent effects of losing major contributors to injuries, including a sweep at the hands of the Oakland Athletics and six losses in nine games. Read full article here.