Zimmermann facing Indians for first time, Marrero earns first start since '11 (update)

Jordan Zimmermann faces the Indians for the first time in his career, looking to help the Nationals even their weekend interleague series. Zimmermann has been exceptional since his first dud of the season, a May 29 loss at Baltimore where the right-hander allowed seven runs in six innings. Over the two starts heading into tonight, he has held opponents to just two unearned runs on six hits while fanning 12 and walking three in 15 frames. He'll be going for his 10th win today. Former top prospect Chris Marrero is in the lineup at designated hitter, making his first start since being called up last Sunday and first in the majors since Sept. 28, 2011. Jeff Kobernus is in left field, starting for third time in four games. The teams have identical 33-33 records. The Nationals trail the Braves by 5 1/2 games after Atlanta's 6-0 loss to the Giants. For the Nats: CF Denard Span 2B Anthony Rendon 3B Ryan Zimmerman RF Jayson Werth 1B Adam LaRoche SS Ian Desmond DH Chris Marrero C Kurt Suzuki LF Jeff Kobernus RHP Jordan Zimmermann For the Indians: CF Michael Bourn 2B Jason Kipnis 1B Nick Swisher LF Michael Brantley C Carlos Santana 3B Mark Reynolds DH Jason Giambi RF Ryan Raburn SS Mike Aviles LHP Scott Kazmir Update: The Nats have signed third-round pick Drew Ward to an $850,000 deal, according to Baseball America. Ward is a third baseman who hit .507 (67-for-131) with nine homers, 39 RBIs and 57 walks in 32 games for Leedey (Okla.) High School.