Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman continues his rehab assignment. In this evening’s game for the Potomac Nationals, there was something a little different in the offering.
Ryan Zimmerman in left field? Tonight's your chance to see it! Here's the P-Nats lineup for their 6:35 start: pic.twitter.com/t1WQR8XiFp
— Fredericksburg Nationals (@FXBGNats) May 31, 2014
Got to turn your head to the side in order to read the lineup card, but you’re seeing things correctly. Zim got the nod in left.
Potomac, a member of the Carolina League (as I’m sure you’ve already figured out), is the High-A affiliate for the Nationals. Just having Zimmerman there on a rehab assignment would have been enough to bring out the folks. But knowing he was not in his accustomed position of third base made this game a must see.
Now I know what you must be thinking. And the answer is no. Ryan Zimmerman has never played the outfield. Not for the Nationals and not on his way through their farm system. He’s played in 1,120 MLB games and in 81 minor league games (including previous rehab assignments). No OF appearances…ever. The Potomac fans were witnessing a small slice of history.
For the game, Zimmerman was 1-for-3 with a first-inning single. He was removed from the game in the top of the 6th inning.
Zimmerman hasn’t played for the Nationals since April 12 due to a fractured thumb. He suffered the injury attempting to get back into second base during a pickoff play.
(Call to Nationals Reddit: user DeadlyOwlTraps)