District Daily: Ryan Zimmerman Cleared and Gio Gonzalez Throws from 120 Feet
By Kenny DeJohn
Apr 4, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) doubles against the Atlanta Braves during the fourth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
This morning’s District Daily focuses primarily on some good news on the injury front for the Washington Nationals. Check it out below.
Zimmerman cleared to resume baseball activities
WASHINGTON — After undergoing X-rays on Monday, Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman (right thumb) has been cleared to resume baseball activities, manager Matt Williams said after the Nats’ 3-2 loss to the Marlins.
Doctors gave Zimmerman permission to start swinging and throwing after an examination showed the fracture in his right thumb had healed properly. However, Williams said the team would proceed with caution, especially with Zimmerman swinging a bat, to avoid unnecessary pain or any further damage.
“All signs are good,” Williams said. Read full article here.
Gio progresses, throws from 120 feet off flat ground
WASHINGTON — For the third straight day Monday, Nationals left-hander Gio Gonzalez (shoulder inflammation) threw on flat ground as part of his rehab program.
Gonzalez surrendered five earned runs on seven hits over three innings in his last start on May 17 against the Mets. Following that performance, the Nationals placed the pitcher on the 15-day disabled list.
On Sunday, manager Matt Williams said Gonzalez threw from a distance of about 90 feet. Gonzalez stretched out to a distance of 120 feet while throwing before the game on Monday, and Williams said the left-hander would toss from a similar distance on Tuesday. Read full article here.
Slumping Espinosa appears overeager at the plate
WASHINGTON — Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa got off to a solid start this season, compiling a .317 batting average through the first 22 games.
Since that point, though, the switch-hitting infielder regressed substantially. Espinosa went 0-for-2 and was hit by a pitch in the Nationals’ 3-2 loss to the Marlins on Monday, dropping his batting average to .209. In the bottom of the ninth inning, manager Matt Williams pinch-hit right-handed-hitting Kevin Frandsen for Espinosa, who is 0-for-8 with seven strikeouts lifetime against Miami closer Steve Cishek.
Meanwhile, Espinosa’s 54 strikeouts rank second on the Nationals behind shortstop Ian Desmond, and ninth in the National League. Since May 13, Espinosa is 4-of-38 at the plate — a .105 average with 17 strikeouts, and the Nats have gone 5-8 during that stretch. Read full article here.