Jul 22, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Ryan Zimmerman (11) reacts after getting injured running out a single in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Start off your friday with some great Washington Nationals articles from around the web:
Zimmerman shut down for at least two weeks
WASHINGTON — MLB.com reported early Wednesday morning that Ryan Zimmerman‘s right hamstring injury is a Grade 3 strain, which likely involves a tear that could leave him on the disabled list for the rest of the regular season.
However, the Nationals did not offer an official diagnosis on the severity of Zimmerman’s injury. On Thursday, manager Matt Williams said there was no new information beside the fact that Zimmerman would “do nothing” for two weeks before the team re-evaluates the condition of his hamstring. Read full article here.
Nats’ players pleased with acquisition of Cabrera
WASHINGTON — By acquiring infielder Asdrubal Cabrera from Indians, the Nationals will put Danny Espinosa back on the bench starting Friday night against the Phillies. That’s when Cabrera is expected to join the Nationals.
Espinosa started most of this season’s games at second base. While he was great defensively, Espinosa continued to struggle at the plate. Entering Thursday, Espinosa was hitting .217 with six home runs, 21 RBIs and 101 strikeouts in 277 at-bats. Espinosa will be a defensive replacement and a pinch-runner.
Call to the Pen
Espinosa said he understood the situation and is looking to play well as a reserve.
“Yeah, I get that,” Espinosa said about his new role. “I’m sure that’s what it is, anyway. It’s something that is thoroughly understood. If [Cabrera] helps the team, that’s a good thing. I’m happy if we can win.” Read full article here.
Top Nats prospect Giolito twirls another stellar outing
Nationals’ No. 1 prospect Lucas Giolito threw six scoreless innings Thursday and Class A Hagerstown defeated Charleston, 1-0. It was his second straight start of six shutout innings.
Giolito, ranked No. 11 on MLBPipeline.com’s Top 100 Prospects list, struck out six and held the RiverDogs to two hits and one walk. He threw 72 pitches and induced eight ground-ball outs.
All three of the baserunners Giolito allowed came in the first two innings. But after Gosuke Katoh hit a one-out single in the second, Giolito was perfect. He induced a double play to end the inning and then retired the next 12 batters in order to finish his start in style. Read full article here.