Ryan Zimmerman makes early exit, but Matt Williams says he's fine

VIERA, Fla. - First baseman Ryan Zimmerman left today's game after just two innings.

"He's good," said Nationals manager Matt Williams. "He's played three in a row. He's fine. He dove for that ball, banged himself a little bit. But he's good. No worries."

Zimmerman ended the first by diving to his left to make a spectacular stop on a sharply hit ground ball up the first base line by Cardinals left fielder Randal Grichuk. Zimmerman quickly jumped to his feet and flipped the ball to starter Jordan Zimmermann for the out at first.

Zimmerman drew a walk in the bottom of the inning in his only at-bat of the game.

He returned to the field for the second and was involved in another intense defensive play when third baseman Ian Stewart lunged to his left to field a hard-hit grounder by Cardinals right fielder Stephen Piscotty. Stewart's throw to Zimmerman was wildly high, causing the first baseman leap and stretch with his left arm in an unsuccessful attempt to make the grab.

Mike Carp replaced Zimmerman in the field at the start of the third.

Williams said Zimmerman did not ask to come out of the game.

"If he had to play, he could play. No issues," said Williams.

It was brought up to Williams in the postgame media session that Zimmerman has suffered his share of injuries while making diving stops.

"No more of those. We don't want any more of those. He's good, though," Williams said.

It's understandable for injury talk to be wearing on Williams, who's seen three of his starters miss significant time this spring due to injuries. Not to mention that Zimmerman is coming off last season, where he missed 101 games due to a broken thumb and hamstring issues.

Zimmerman was not on the travel list to play tomorrow against the Mets in Port St. Lucie.