Zimmerman happy with first two at-bats of the spring

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - There was no real drama to it, just a couple of at-bats in a Grapefruit League game against a couple of pitchers who may or may not make the Mets' opening day roster. But it was the first time Ryan Zimmerman had done any of that in a game this spring, so the simple fact he did get two at-bats yesterday in the Nationals' 2-1 victory was newsworthy.

"Always good to get in there," the veteran first baseman said. "Two good at-bats, two good swings. I guess that's as much as you can ask for."

Zimmerman, who had initially been scheduled to make his spring debut five days earlier but was pushed back by manager Davey Martinez, served as the designated hitter in Friday's game at First Data Field. Facing starter Rafael Montero in the top of the first, he tomahawked a high fastball to right field, a well-struck line drive that was caught by a lunging Jay Bruce.

Three innings later and now facing reliever Hansel Robles, Zimmerman sent a sinking liner to left field, where Matt den Dekker tried to make a diving catch. When the ball scooted past den Dekker, Zimmerman rounded first and chugged his way to second base just ahead of the throw, earning a double.

That was the end of Zimmerman's abbreviated day, but he'll now start ramping things up. He's not in today's lineup against the Astros, but he expects to be in one of the Nationals' two split-squad lineups Sunday and probably see his first action of the spring at first base.

Though he missed the first week of exhibition play, there's still ample time for Zimmerman to prepare for the season. He has taken anywhere from 40 to 57 at-bats each of the last six springs, and he has a pretty good idea at this point how much he needs to feel ready by the time camp ends.

The franchise's relocation from Viera to West Palm Beach also helps the 33-year-old get his work done in a more efficient manner.

"It's easier now to get the at-bats," he said. "Because with the Astros (sharing the Nationals complex) and the Marlins and Cardinals right down the street (in Jupiter), it's a lot easier to play more consistently, even if you don't play seven, eight, nine innings. You can play every day, but play five innings. I think that helped me a lot last year."