Updates on Zimmerman and Zimmermann plus other notes

Nationals manager Matt Williams said right-hander Jordan Zimmermann is doing "good," but is still pretty sore after getting hit by a batted ball last week in Miami. "He's got a pretty good black and blue shoulder," Williams said. "He's going to go out and throw. Actually, he threw the day after he got hit, was OK. Looks pretty bruised up." Williams said they will get a further report later today on how Zimmermann's shoulder is feeling. The good news is Williams does not anticipate Zimmermann will miss his next start, currently slated for one of Friday's doubleheader matchups against the Marlins. "No, I don't expect him to miss a start," Williams said. "We may have to look at pushing him a day depending on how he feels. He won't miss one. It's in a good spot. It's not in the front where the tendon is." Williams said he would strongly consider limiting the innings of starters during this final homestand, unless they have a scoreless game going or something more amazing. "I'd like to not push them too far," Williams said. Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman is out of the lineup again as he recovers from a severe right hamstring strain. The veteran was involved in a play at the plate in Miami where he had to slide into a tag. Williams said he knew Zimmerman would just go home on baseball instinct, but he also wants to be measured in not overdoing the baserunning so close to his recovery from injury. "(It) is a good test. But we don't want to push it either," Williams said. "We will try to get him in situations where we can monitor that and let him get back into playing shape. It's like spring training for him. After four or five days, you're going to be sore, and coming off an injury like that, we have to be mindful." Williams said they could bring him off the bench tonight. They will try to get him a pinch-hit opportunity. Williams said it is way too early to announce who the Game 1 starter will be in the National League Division Series. "We are having dialogue about it. There's going to be some really late nights the next three or four days. We have yet to make that decision," Williams said. Williams said each starter will continue on their normal schedules, as they will try to lock up home-field advantage. He also said "it's important for us to play well."