26-year-old Nats' right-hander Jordan Zimmermann gave up just one run on five hits in 6.0 IP when the Auburndale, Wisconsin-born, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point-educated starter faced his homestate Milwaukee Brewers for the first time back on July 28th in Miller Park. That outing was the final start of a strong month of July which earned the Zimmermann the NL Pitcher of the Month Award. Though Zimmermann struggled in August in what was his worst month (statistically) of the year and his first start of September against St. Louis, the Nats' '07 2nd Round pick has given up two runs or less in each of his last three starts, going (2-0) with a 2.50 ERA, six walks (3.00 BB/9) and 19 Ks (9.5 K/9) in his last 18.0 innings on the mound. At home in Nationals Park this year, Zimmermann has a 3.70 ERA, a 4.00 FIP, 20 walks (2.00 BB/9) and 64 Ks (6.40 K/9) in 15 starts and 90.0 IP.
Zimmermann makes his 31st start of 2012 this afternoon in today's 1:05 pm EDT start. He'll have a little less thunder in the lineup supporting him, however, as it appears Michael Morse is out of today's game with Roger Bernadina playing left in the finale of the four-game set with the visiting Brewers who throw former Nats' starter Marco Estrada this afternoon in Nationals Park. Here's the Nats' lineup:
The pregame press conference with Nats' skipper Davey Johnson is at 11:00 am this morning, check back for updates and any comments on Michael Morse, whether it's a day off or some other issue... More to follow...