District Daily: Ryan Zimmerman Ready for Left Field and Nats Excited for MLB Draft

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

Check out today’s latest on the Washington Nationals:

Zimmerman ready to play outfield for Nationals

(Bill Ladson, MLB.com)

WOODBRIDGE, Va. — Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman made perhaps his final rehab start for Class A Advanced Potomac on Monday night, going 2-for-4 while playing left field in a 5-4 victory over Salem.

The game was uneventful for Zimmerman, who made one putout in the sixth inning, a routine fly ball hit by Aneury Tavarez. Zimmerman made the catch without any problems.

“You go through games where you don’t get much,” Zimmerman said after the game. “I got a regular fly ball tonight. I’ll get more used to it each day.” Read full article here.

Nats excited about options at No. 18 in Draft

(Bill Ladson, MLB.com)

WASHINGTON — The First-Year Player Draft is like Christmas Day to Nationals scouting director Kris Kline. For a year, Kline and his staff have been working hard scouting amateur players and, starting Thursday night, they hope to replenish the farm system with prospects.

The Nats have the 18th overall pick. According to Kline, there is a plethora of power pitchers and left-handed power bats available, and Washington could focus a large part of the Draft on pitching. The team can spend $5,275,700 this year.

“I would say some of our needs in the Minor Leagues would be left-handed power bats,” Kline said. “I think we are pretty good everywhere. But pitching always wins championships in the end. When you have depth in that area, I think you are built to last. It’s been a fun year, as far as running around the country seeing guys.” Read full article here.

Nats ready for double-dose of Zim to open series

(David Adler, MLB.com)

The Nationals host the Phillies on Tuesday night in the opener of the second series between the two National League East teams in 2014.

Washington dropped two of three games in Philadelphia in the clubs’ first meeting in early May. But they are ahead of the Phillies in the division, sitting in third place — 3 1/2 back of first-place Atlanta — at 27-28, while the Phillies are in last at 24-31.

The Nationals are coming off a series win against the Rangers, a strong response after they dropped seven of their previous nine games. They should also get third baseman Ryan Zimmerman back from the disabled list for the series opener, although he might play some left field when he rejoins the ballclub. Zimmerman, out since April 12 with a fractured right thumb, has been aiming to be ready Tuesday. Read full article here.

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