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The Nationals still haven't publicly announced the severity of third baseman Ryan Zimmerman's hamstring injury, but there's a report from Bill Ladson (the beat writer for the Nationals official website) that says it's a Grade 3 hamstring strain. This would be the most significant strain (Grades are 1-3, from least severe to most) that often times means a rupture.
So, needless to say, if this report is true, Zimmerman is lost for a long time, possibly the rest of the regular season.
Zimmerman, 29, is hitting .282/.345/.456 (121 OPS+) with 19 doubles, five homers and 36 RBI in 53 games this season. He's also dealt with a fractured thumb and has an ongoing shoulder issue. Still, he was hitting very well prior to the hamstring injury, sporting a .337/.404/.558 slash line in his last 23 starts.
The Nationals are 33-19 in Zimmerman starts this season and 24-28 when he doesn't.
If this report is true, it's possible it spurs a Washington trade for a third baseman or second baseman -- with Anthony Rendon being able to swing either position.
