CarL1 Potomac Nationals

Zimmermann to Make Rehab Start for P-Nats on Tuesday

Published on August 4, 2009 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Potomac Nationals News Release


FREDERICK, Md- For the Potomac Nationals, there will be a familiar face toeing the rubber for the team when they take on the Frederick Keys from Harry Grove Stadium in game two of their three-game set on Tuesday night. Former Potomac Nationals starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann, now a successful big leaguer himself, will be making a rehab start for the P-Nats on Tuesday with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 ET. The former Potomac star is scheduled to pitch about four innings in the game against the Keys.

In his last start against the Chicago Cubs on July 18, Zimmermann struck out eight in 5 1/3 innings, but felt some initial pain in his elbow begin to flare up. After throwing a bullpen session on July 22, the pain continued and the righty was shut down immediately, not wanting to risk any further injury to the future of the Washington Nationals starting rotation.

Selected in the second round of the 2007 first-year player draft, Zimmermann began his career after being drafted, going 5-2 with a 2.38 ERA for the Vermont Lake Monsters while striking out a stunning 71 batters in 53 innings. The next season, Zimmermann skipped Low-A and began the year with the P-Nats, going 3-1 with a 1.65 earned run average in just five games with the Nationals. He was quickly sent up to Double-A Harrisburg where the Auburndale, Wi. native made 20 starts for the Senators, going 7-2 with a 3.21 ERA, striking out 103 in 106 2/3 innings, earning a nod as an Eastern League All-Star.

He led the Washington organization in strikeouts with 134 and tied for the lead in total wins with ten.

Coming into 2009, Zimmermann was not projected to begin the season with the big club, though he did earn an invite to Nationals' spring training down in Viera, Fl. But Zimmermann instantly impressed the big league brass, striking out 20 in just 14 spring innings as he was named the fifth starter coming into Opening Day.

For the Nationals this season, Zimmermann is 3-5 with a 4.63 ERA, but has struck out 92 in 91 1/3 innings pitched while walking just 29 batters. With some struggles of the Nationals' starting rotation this season, Zimmermann has been asked to carry more of a load normally would be necessary for a 22-year-old, but he has shown why he is considered to be the future ace of the Washington Nationals.

Owner of a low-to-mid 90s fastball and a devastating breaking ball, Zimmermann has the repertoire that justifies his rapid ascent to the Major Leagues, similar to his rotation-mate John Lannan who began 2007 with the P-Nats, only to find himself in the Washington rotation by August of that same season.

The P-Nats will play two more games with the Keys before returning back to the Pfitz to begin an all-important four-game duel with the second-place Wilmington Blue Rocks.

The team will premiere a new promotion on Thursday night with the debut of Thursday Cheers! Fans can enjoy all beverages for just $1 at the ballpark! It is also Ladies Night where all ladies receive half-price tickets and can register throughout the game for fantastic prizes from Merriweather Post Pavillion and Vita Nova Med Spa!

It will also be Virginia Lottery Second-Chance Thursday where all fans can bring in their non-winning Virginia Lottery scratch cards for the chance at buy-one-get-one-free tickets.

Check out the Potomac Nationals Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Carolina League Stories from August 4, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central