The Nationals have a deep hole to climb out of, Washington currently sitting five games out of a playoff spot. Fortunately for the Nats, it looks like they'll have several reinforcements returning to the roster once the All-Star break ends.
Nats manager Davey Martinez told reporters on Tuesday that Stephen Strasburg, who has been out for over a month with right shoulder inflammation, will most likely be the starter Friday against the Atlanta Braves.
Davey said tentative plan is Strasburg will start Friday and, if he can get ahold of Gio to tell him this, Gio will start Saturday. Scherzer Sunday.
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes)
July 17, 2018 Strasburg compiled a 6-6 record with a 3.46 ERA before his stint on the disabled list, and should provide a boost to Washington's struggling starting rotation.
Martinez also said Ryan Zimmerman could make his return Friday as well, barring a setback.
Davey thinks Zimmerman should be ready Friday, too. All went well in his first rehab game.
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes)
July 17, 2018 Zimmerman hasn't played since May after a strained right oblique forced him onto the DL, but played well in a rehab game with the Potomac Nationals on Monday, going 2 for 2 with a walk, an RBI, and three runs scored. He is scheduled to play another rehab game with the Harrisburg Senators Tuesday night.
weather permitting, #Nats 1B Ryan Zimmerman rehabbing for @HbgSenators tonight, source confirms
— Byron Kerr (@masnKerr)
July 17, 2018 However, Zimmerman may find playing time hard to come by when he returns, Matt Adams and Mark Reynolds both impressing during his absence.
