The Washington Nationals will be without one of their key hitters and leaders in the coming days, as first baseman Ryan Zimmerman was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a wrist injury.
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Latest on Zimmerman’s Wrist Injury
Saturday, Aug. 6
The Nationals announced that Zimmerman was placed on the DL retroactive to Aug. 1, and his injury is officially being characterized as a left wrist contusion.
The 31-year-old veteran is in the midst of a down year, as he is hitting just .222 with 12 home runs and 38 RBI for a Nats squad that is looking to return to the postseason after missing out in 2015.
In addition to his inconsistency at the plate, Zimmerman has struggled with injuries, as he previously spent time on the disabled list with a strained rib.
Zimmerman has been on the DL often over the past few seasons, having played in only 95 games last year and just 61 games in 2014.
Prior to that three-year stretch, Zimmerman was as automatic and reliable as any player in Major League Baseball.
From 2009 through 2013, the former All-Star hit .275 or better with 25 or more home runs in four of those five campaigns.
He has fallen off since then largely because of injuries, but he is still a valuable piece in Washington because of his experience and the fact that he has been through plenty of ups and downs over the years with the Nationals.
With Zimmerman on the DL, Clint Robinson figures to be the primary fill-in at first base. He hasn’t hit for a great average this season, but he has some pop, as he has produced a stat line of a .212 batting average with five homers and 22 RBI.
The fact that Zimmerman is having a down year means his replacement doesn’t necessarily have to go on a tear in order to make up for his lost statistical production.
Washington is fortunate to have a stacked lineup featuring stars such as Bryce Harper, Daniel Murphy and Wilson Ramos, among others, so even though Zimmerman’s absence means a loss of depth and leadership, there is enough talent in place to fill the void.
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