Matt Williams discusses Ryan Zimmerman's health, potential playoff role

Since returning to the Nationals after suffering a right hamstring tear on July 22, Ryan Zimmerman has been a much-valued presence in the lineup and off the bench. The veteran offers versatility as he can play third base and left field, where he has made all three of his starts since his return. In his six games since his return, Zimmerman has posted a slash line of .286/.333/.429 over 14 at-bats. "The challenges are his leg and I think that's presenting itself nicely," Matt Williams said before today's game against the Marlins. "He's been able to go run the bases, do all the things that he needs to do to play in the game, so he'll get more of that in the next couple of days, too, even more over the workout days where we can really push some envelopes and make sure. I think it's good for him to get out there and play in games and do the things he needs to do without thinking about it." The Nats' two doubleheaders the last two days allowed Williams to take advantage of expanded rosters and give Zimmerman chances to both start games and come off the bench. "Again, we have to be mindful of his health, first and foremost," Williams said. "So if he says, 'Hey, I'm a little bit sore,' we're not going to push it. ... Certainly, he's been the guy we've gone to off the bench and in the games, in the doubleheader, so he's had to play in the game and then he's had to wait and get hot again to get ready to go again. So, he's passed all those tests." With Zimmerman not at 100 percent, is there any chance the veteran doesn't make the playoff roster? After being evaluated in game situations, Williams said Zimmerman will be on it unless he experiences any setbacks. "I think his timing's good at the plate. I think he's capable of playing wherever we ask him to play and certainly swing it, so I think he's good," Williams said. "He feels good about it, too. There's more healing that needs to go on as well. So I think the days off will help, and him getting some really good workouts in will help, and it'll just make it so he feels better about his leg, too. I think all is good there." A better question for Williams may be what role he pictures Zimmerman in for the playoffs. "It depends. We don't even know who we're going to play," he said. "We don't know who's potentially starting for those teams either, so we can't say at this point. So we'll look to it as we get to it, but we just simply don't know right now. We'll have to deal with that one as it comes." At this point, the Nats don't know if they'll face the Giants, Pirates or Cardinals in the National League Division Series. Until he sees the matchup, the skipper won't announce his playoff rotation, with the announcement likely coming Thursday. Williams is watching the playoff picture unfold, and his clubhouse is following suit. "Of course they're thinking about it. They watch MLB Network and all the other sports news affiliates, and understand where everyone is and what those teams are playing for," Williams said. "With the ability to potentially have one of three teams coming out of the weekend, so yeah, they're aware, everyone's aware. It's instantaneous at the touch of a finger these days. So, yeah, they're thinking about it. ... But we also have two games to play." Williams also offered an update on his other Zimmerman(n) - starter Jordan Zimmermann, who's set to start tomorrow. The righty was hit by a comebacker line drive during his last start on Saturday and is dealing with a bruised right shoulder. "He's good. He's fine," Williams said. "It's going to be extra rest for him, but I think he's strong, I think there are no issues. The swelling's gone out of there. Certainly the black and blue's getting out of there. So he has no limitations for tomorrow, which is what we wanted. We didn't want him to go out there and feel funny about anything or change mechanics to try to compensate for any soreness. So heading into tomorrow, he's good. So he should be normal."