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UPDATE AT 7:38 P.M.: Not a good night for Zimmermann. He gave up seven runs, six of them earned, on seven hits over five innings. He gave up a couple homers, which accounted for most of the runs. Reader Riverdog, who was at the game in Hagerstown, said Zimmermann looked good at times, particularly in a five-pitch fourth inning, but didn't locate the ball well most of the night. But it's a rehab start, and the more important thing is whether ZImmermann comes out of it healthy.
Thanks for the updates, Riverdog. Good stuff. Maybe we can get you on the payroll. :-)
Right-hander Jordan Zimmermann, who's allowed a single unearned run in his four rehab starts so far, makes his next outing tonight at Single-A Hagerstown. He'll pitch the first of two seven-inning games for the Suns, and will probably throw around five innings or so. Zimmermann would likely have one or two more rehab starts after this one before the Nationals would consider adding him back to their rotation; they've opted to be cautious with him as he finishes his rehab from Tommy John surgery, even as he continues to be ahead of schedule.
Third-round pick Rick Hague, the former Rice shortstop who signed with the Nationals for $430,000 on July 8, is in the Suns' lineup tonight. He'll DH and hit second.
first inning for Zman=== 2K's 1 lineout
2nd inning ---- first rehab walk (he got squeezed on it),,basehit, then 3 run homer, then 3K, ground out ... 3-0 after 1.5
have to say though, he looks good.
Wow, the way Rick Hague is moving up. he could be the second basemen that gets called up next September!
man,, he just gave up 2 run homer in the 3rd
this inning he seems to not be placing the ball very well.
4th inning ---- 1pitch, 1 out
next batter--- 2pitches,2 out
third batter-- 2 pitches,3rd out
total---------------5 pitches
much better looking this inning
looks like Jordan is finished for the night...
5innings, 7hits,,7 runs,6 earned,,,3K's,1 walk and 2 homers--9 groundouts
have to say it was kind of rocky for him, he looked good at times and knowing this is a rehab start it makes be wonder if he was working on something different tonight.
Rick Hague, the kid from Rice is making his debut this evening as well.
Also, Shane McCatty son of coach McCatty, is making his debut this evening following Zimmermann
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Thanks for the updates, Riverdog. I might toss a couple of those into my blog post.
Ben
What's more interesting is the collection of position players, some nicely progressing pieces in Hagerstown? Perez, Kobernus, Ramirez, Hood, and Bloxom looking like quite the impressive young team. Add Hague the shortstop might be what they are missing although Soriano also looks decent.
All that's left is a good hitting/defensive catcher, David Freitas? And a right fielder named Bryce Harper.
Very young, very good ... there's the Nats lineup for 2013 perhaps?
Looks like Hague started at short for the second game and already made an error. Bloxom at third base ... that's new.
Danny Rosenbaum is throwing a shutout in Potomac.
I noticed teams like to pick the sons of managers, now coaches. I know there were five drafted- Ozzie Guillen's son, Bruce Bouchy's son, Jim Leyland's son, and I guess two others I can't recall off the top of my head. In addition to McCatty's son, the Orioles have Shelby's son in their system. They all like to downplay it and say their kid "earned it." I don't think this is a coincidence that team's value their employees offspring than another team would. But at the same time, if they were NOT that good, I don't think the team would be picking them.
Maddy,
Yes, you are correct wathcing the siblings make it in a professional sport like their fathers has to be a proud feeling, espically if they make it on the club their dads are working for.
McCattys kid pitched ok last night in Hagerstown, 2 innings, 2 hits, and looked comfortable on the mound.