District Daily: Zimmerman Takes BP, Purke Needs Tommy John Surgery

May 28, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) stands outside of the batting cage prior to the game against the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Start off your day with some great Washington Nationals articles from around the web:

Zim takes BP for first time since thumb injury

(Bill Ladson and Daniel Popper, MLB.com)

WASHINGTON — On Wednesday afternoon, Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman fielded ground balls and took batting practice for the first time since fracturing his right thumb against the Braves on April 12.

Zimmerman spent the entire fielding session at first base. He started by taking ground balls and making throws to second base before practicing scoops.

After that, Zimmerman concluded his workout with batting practice. Nationals ambassador and former Major League right-hander Livan Hernandez pitched the session.

Zimmerman also threw from around 120 feet. Depending on how he feels on Thursday, Zimmerman said he plans on stretching out to 150 feet. Read full article here.

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Prospect Purke to undergo Tommy John surgery

(Bill Ladson and Daniel Popper, MLB.com)

WASHINGTON — Left-hander Matt Purke, the Nationals’ No. 6 prospect, will have Tommy John surgery performed Thursday morning, according to general manager Mike Rizzo. The procedure will be performed by Dr. James Andrews.

Having the Tommy John procedure is nothing new to the organization. Pitchers such as Jordan Zimmermann, Stephen Strasburg and Lucas Giolito have gone under the knife for elbow reconstruction. Zimmermann and Strasburg have been successful in the big league level since the surgery. Giolito hasn’t pitched since May 11 and is currently on an innings limit with Class A Hagerstown. Read full article here.

Nationals’ GM Mike Rizzo expects “market correction” for Anthony Rendon at the plate

(Patrick Reddington, Federal Baseball)

Washington Nationals’ third baseman Anthony Rendon ended the first month-plus of his second major league season with a .316/.352/.544 line, 10 doubles, two triples and four home runs in 28 games and 122 plate appearances, over which he drew seven walks and struck out 18 times.

The Nats’ 2011 1st Round pick drew one walk in his first 51 plate appearances this month over which he posted a .204/.216/.327 line with a double, triple, a home run and 10 Ks.

While he’s continued to struggle at the plate over the last two weeks, there have, however, been signs that the 23-year-old infielder is coming out of his slump. Read full article here.