Washington Nationals: Ryan Zimmerman on track for 2018

A lack of playing time for Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman does not mean anything is wrong. The veteran will play Opening Day.

Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman will start on Opening Day. There is no lingering injury or beef with anybody.

Rookie manager Dave Martinez believes it is better to ease Zimmerman into Grapefruit League action before starting the long slog of regular season play. Along with Adam Eaton, the thought is saving wear and tear now keeps Zimmerman fresher during the season and in October.

Free from three consecutive injury-laden seasons, along with two other shortened campaigns before, Zimmerman bounced back in 2017. In 144 games, his highest mark since 2012, he crushed a career-high 36 home runs while driving home 108.

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His slash line of .303/.358/.573 gave the All-Star a .930 OPS. Again, a career best. It was Zimmerman’s first trip to the All-Star game since 2009. His 135 OPS+ was his most productive number since his 142 in 2010.

After a season of highs then why the rest?

A fast look at his numbers during the National League Divisional Series suggests Zimmerman was tired. A meager 3-for-20 at the plate, he smashed a homer with four RBI. But, he struck out four times in five games.

Spring Training is the time for coaches and front office staff to test drive prospects and others into action. When you combine Zimmerman’s history and experience, a slower start makes sense. Save the action when it is needed.

Instead, the Nats have taken a healthy look at two-time Minor League Player of the Year Jose Marmolejos. In 15 games, he is 8-for-34, hitting .235 with a dinger and seven RBI.

With Washington passing one of their two days off in Florida, expect to see Zimmerman in games. As starting pitchers work four or five innings a game, and top relievers pitching early, he can get three at-bats a day facing big-league hurlers.

Yes, it takes batters longer to find their timing out of the gate. But, Zimmerman has not missed live batting practice. If Martinez wants him facing more live pitching, there are full minor league games happening around the complex in West Palm Beach.

Martinez resting Zimmerman and Eaton is unorthodox but, remember, there are almost three full weeks before the season starts on March 29. As minor leaguers are reassigned to their own camp, the opportunities build for older players. He turns 3 this September.

With Jayson Werth relaxing elsewhere, Zimmerman starts 2018 as the oldest regular player in the starting lineup. Daniel Murphy—rehabbing from his knee surgery—turns 33 on April 1.

Next: How DC stacks up with the NL contenders

When the bell rings, Zimmerman will answer.