Jordan Zimmermann hoping for a little home cooking

Former Nationals pitcher Jordan Zimmermann has signed a deal to go back home and play for the Milwaukee Brewers.

You don’t have to look over the stat sheet to realize Jordan Zimmermann had a tumultuous five years in Detroit. Between inconsistent pitching and injuries, Zimm couldn’t get out of town fast enough. Well, the former second round pick of the Washington Nationals is heading home to Wisconsin, in hopes of getting his pitching groove back.

Zimmermann signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers, hoping he can make the club out of camp and provide quality innings for the Brew Crew. Hard to imagine the former All-Star, who delivered year after year for the Nationals, has fallen so far he had to take a minor league contract.

Appearing in just three games in 2020 before a right forearm strain ended his season, Zimmermann ended his tenure in Detroit with a  5.63 ERA. Back, shoulder, and UCL injuries have plagued Zimmermann over the years and limited what was once a promising career.

After twelve years in the league he’ll return to the state he was born, and starred in college at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Maybe going to a small market team, close to his old stomping ground, will be the medicine Zimmermann needs to cure what ails him.

This is a low risk move by the Brewers and can go one of two ways. Zimmermann can pitch well enough in spring training to earn a spot in the rotation or as the long man out of the bullpen. Or he doesn’t make the team, in which I’m sure he has an opt out clause in his contract setting him free to sign with another team.

There are so many Jordan Zimmermann, Nationals memories running through my head, I just want the guy to catch on and taste success again. He has all the money he needs, the Tigers gifted him $110M for the last five years of his life. He doesn’t have a ring and won’t get one in Milwaukee, but what he can do is end his career on a high note.

Best of luck Jordan Zimmermann.