Williams offers optimistic updates on Zimmermann, Frandsen and Fister

Jordan Zimmermann is set to make his first start since suffering a right biceps strain on July 11. On paper, he couldn't pick a better opponent to face for his return. In seven career starts against the Rockies, he's 5-0 with a minuscule 1.64 ERA. However, he will be throwing in tough conditions, which will make skipper Matt Williams keep a close eye on his starter. "His flat ground was good, his long toss was good, his bullpen was good. There haven't been any issues," Williams said at Coors Field in Denver. "The unfortunate thing that we face today is playing at altitude, less oxygen for the muscle where it was, so we've got to be mindful of that today and just make sure we're cautious with it." While the Nationals will be careful, Williams emphasized that they're not holding the starter to a specific pitch count. "He's had extra rest, he did a pretty heavy bullpen, so he should be fine," Williams said. "Again, we'll have to take everything into account tonight, including where we're playing. ... Let him go as long as he can go." The Nats are going for a series win tonight after taking the first game 7-2. Ian Desmond led the team at the plate last night, going 5-for-5 with a two-run home run. "I know that when (Desmond's) going well, you see the singles in that four-hole. You see balls to right-center field, and then of course, he hits balls over the fence, too," Williams said. "But, when he's really seeing it well, and when he's really swinging it well, he hits a lot of singles and a lot of balls in the gap, and the home runs come. So, I just think that he's been, he's certainly had success in this park, that's comforting for him." While yesterday's starter, Doug Fister, earned the win, he also had a sore ankle after the game. Likewise, teammate Kevin Frandsen, who pinch-hit in the ninth inning last night, is also experiencing some ankle soreness. "They're OK. They're sore," Williams said. "Doug's a little sore today. Kev's a little sore today, but you know, no issues, no structural issues. No problem, little swelling ... They should be fine. Kevin could play tonight, today, if he had to. ... "They just both just kind of rolled them over. Kevin got scared a little bit, that's his Achilles ankle. When he blew up his Achilles, that's the same ankle. So any time he has an issue there, it scares him, it scares us because if you have any other issues with that Achilles, it's not good. He was fine after the game last night, it was a little painful running to first base, but he showed up today feeling good."