District Daily: Ryan Zimmerman’s Thumb Isn’t Healed and Adam LaRoche is Recovering Nicely
By Kenny DeJohn
Apr 16, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche (25) warms up prior to a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
There’s a ton of injury news in this morning’s District Daily, though not everything has to do with players permanently benched. Scott Hairston spends some time on the bench, but when called upon, he has been ready. More below:
X-ray shows Zim’s thumb not fully healed
WASHINGTON — Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman had an X-ray on his fractured right thumb Monday, and the results revealed the thumb is healing slowly. Zimmerman will next see an occupational therapist to get a splint on the thumb that will allow him to begin exercising his right arm.
“It’s not really throwing. It puts his thumb in a position where he can start working his arm, which is good,” manager Matt Williams said. “It’s what he needs to do. [The thumb] is not fully healed, so [the doctors] are cautious.”
Asked if Zimmerman’s injury wasn’t healing as quickly as the Nationals expected, Williams said, “It’s hard to say. Everybody is different. Everybody heals differently. It was an interesting fracture. It wasn’t just a crack straight across. It was kind of like a Y. So there are multiple things that have to heal there. Yeah, we would like it to go faster, but it is what it is.” Read full article here.
Rehabbing LaRoche continuing baseball activities
WASHINGTON — Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche continues to recover nicely from a right quad strain. While he has not talked to the team yet, LaRoche expects to go on a rehab assignment before he returns to the Major League field.
LaRoche is eligible to come off the disabled list on Sunday.
LaRoche’s schedule on Tuesday was expected to be similar to the previous day — hit in the batting cage, taking ground balls and run the bases.
“I will do as much as the trainers will allow,” LaRoche said. “I keep trying to push that envelope a little bit, so we will see.” Read full article here.
Hairston in groove with lumber off bench
WASHINGTON — Nationals outfielder Scott Hairston is off to a great start. Entering Tuesday’s action, Hairston was 8-for-18 (.444) with two RBIs in nine games. His biggest at-bat came Monday, when he drove in the tying run with a sacrifice fly against Reds closer Aroldis Chapman.
Hairston decided to do things differently this year. For example, when he is in the indoor cage, he usually gets pitches that are on the inside part of the plate.
“It helps me keep the bat longer through the zone,” Hairston said. “I try to keep it simple. Hit line drives and hit the ball hard on the ground. When I’m in the game, I’m not trying to lift the ball. I’m trying to hit lines drives. My approach has changed.” Read full article here.