Washington Nationals Reaction: Jordan Zimmermann, Drew Storen are Jekyll and Hyde in Nats Loss

Aug 7, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (27) pitches during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Dr. Jekyll: Jordan Zimmermann

2015 has not been Jordan Zimmermann’s finest hour by any stretch of the imagination. His numbers for ERA, FIP and WHIP are all at their worst levels since 2010, the year before he became a full-time part of the rotation. He’s given up the most hits per nine innings of his career, and his strikeout to walk numbers are hovering around his career averages.

But on Friday night, Jordan Zimmermann looked like the Jordan Zimmermann Nationals fans have grown accustomed to seeing over the past four years. For almost seven innings, Zimmermann held the Rockies in check, allowing just one earned run on only four hits. He didn’t allow a single walk while striking out six, and he handed the ball to Casey Janssen with a three run lead to work with.

It’s a shame that the Nationals couldn’t get Zimmermann the win, but, all things considered, Zimmermann’s dominant performance has to be encouraging. The Nationals rotation has been in constant flux over the course of the season, with under-performing Doug Fister being banished to the bullpen to make room for Joe Ross. If the Nationals are going to turn things around, they need the dominant Jordan Zimmermann to return.

Friday night, fortunately, offered a glimpse of just that. Hopefully, it’s a sign of J-Zimm returning to form, and not just a blip on the radar.