Jordan Zimmermann Reaches 160 Inning Limit

Jordan Zimmermann made what will be his last start of the 2011 season yesterday, giving up 3 runs on 6 hits in 4.1 innings during the Washington Nationals 5-4 loss to the Cincinnati Reds.

Washington announced earlier in the year that Zimmermann, who’s only 2 years removed from Tommy John surgery, will be placed on a 160 inning limit.  Zimmermann was sitting at 157 entering Sunday’s game.

Zimmermann was shut down in August of his rookie season with the Nationals, after it was discovered that the 23 year old’s elbow required reconstructive surgery.  Though rehab estimates range from 12-18 months, Zimmermann was back in action for Washington the following August, making 7 starts before the end of last season.

Zimmermann was able to start the 2011 campaign with the Nationals, but since he had only logged a combined 122.1 innings during 2009-10, Washington wanted to play it safe with their starter.

The Nationals de facto ace, Zimmermann pitched well in his first full season since undergoing surgery.  On the year, Zimmermann went 8-11 over his 26 starts while maintaining an ERA and WHIP of 3.18 and 1.15.

Zimmerman’s strikeout numbers weren’t eye popping, but his minimal BB/9 (1.80) allowed him to finish the year with an impressive K/BB ratio of nearly 4.

The month of June highlighted Zimmermann’s season, as the right hander went 3-1 over 6 starts.  Zimmermann only allowed 4 earned runs on 33 hits and 7 walks in those 42.1 innings while logging 7 or more frames in 5 of the 6 starts.

Washington is hoping to replace Zimmermann in their rotation with another young pitcher coming off of major surgery.  Stephen Strasburg is set to make what’s expected to be his final rehab start this Thursday, and ideally the club will be able to slide Strasburg into the spot left vacant by Zimmerman.

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