The Nationals are going to have to shut Stephen Strasburg down for the next few weeks, if not the rest of the season, due to a strained flexor tendon in his right forearm. It’s disappointing news because the young ace is incredible to watch, but there is a bright side.
Replacing Strasburg in the Nats’ starting rotation will be 24-year-old Jordan Zimmermann, who missed parts of 2009 and has missed all of 2010 due to Tommy John surgery. Now healthy, and with 10 solid rehab appearances under his belt, the right-hander is all set to return on Thursday against the Cardinals. This according to MLB.com’s Bill Ladson.
Zimmermann made a name for himself one year ago when he opened the ’09 season with 92 strikeouts over his first 91.1 major league innings. He also compiled a respectable 4.36 ERA and 1.36 WHIP over that span.
The righty is throwing with good velocity and movement yet again and should do well upon returning to the big leagues. Even if he falters, Zimmermann and Strasburg will lead a much-improved Washington rotation heading into 2011.