Taking the mound today for the Washington Nationals will be right hander Jordan Zimmermann. The young right hander is entering his first full season back after a 2009 Tommy John surgery and will be making just the 24th start of his career.
Zimmermann has just 2 starts against the Braves on his career and picked up wins in both games while posting a 2.45 era. Zimmermann who pitched in 7 games for the Nats last season picked up his only win of the year on September 24th vs the Braves. In the September 24th outing he went 5 innings and allowed only 1 run on 3 hits and a walk.
Jordan Zimmermann saw the most innings of any Nats pitcher in spring training having pitched in 23 innings with a 3.91 era. Zimmermann allowed 10 runs in spring training but allowed 0 home runs.
Of Zimmermann the Nationals Manager had the following to say “His stuff is very challenging. He has good stuff. He is a young guy. Someday, it’s all going to kick in. It’s all going to be put together. He has a chance to be a special pitcher in the big leagues.”
And taking the mound for the Braves will be veteran pitcher and 3x All Star, Tim Hudson. Over his career Hudson has faced the Expos/Nationals a total of 18 times posting a 10 and 2 record with a 1.91 era. Hudson faced the Nationals a total of 5 times last season putting up a 2.88 era with 2 wins and 1 loss.
So Hudson who has dominated the Expos/Nationals over his career is definitely no stranger to the Nationals organization. So the Nationals could have their work cut out for them as they try to pick up a win today and take their first series of the season.
For anyone in the Maryland and DC area the game can be seen on WDCW DC-50.