Zimmerman heading to Miami, could be activated Saturday

Ryan Zimmerman cleared another hurdle today playing in the fall instructional league in Viera, Fla. He played seven innings in left field, got eight at-bats and hit a home run.

The report was so positive that the Nationals will have Zimmerman, who has been on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring since July 23, scrap the planned final day of his rehabilitation in Florida and instead rejoin the major league team in Miami.

He could be activated as soon as tomorrow, manager Matt Williams told reporters at Marlins Park before tonight's game against the Miami Marlins.

"My thought is that he's probably on his way here now to check in," Williams said. "He's answered every question down there. The question would be whether he would play tomorrow here or whether he needs a day (off), but I would imagine he'll be here. He won't play (in instructional league) anymore."

Zimmerman was on a carefully monitored progression that should have ended with nine innings in the field. But the Nationals have apparently seen enough progress to alter their schedule with the injured star.

"I think he's fine," Williams said. "I think he's accomplished everything he needs to. He's gotten a lot of at-bats. ... He's got 30 at-bats or so-ish, so that's good. He's had to run down to first and try to beat a grounder. He's had to play in the infield and outfield and go to the gap and chase down a ball. ... I think he's ready to go, so I would anticipate him potentially being here tomorrow."

Zimmerman played three innings at first base on Tuesday, split time between third base and first base in a five-inning stint Wednesday and served as the designated hitter Thursday. He was slated to go a full nine innings on Saturday, a plan that has now been scrapped.

"Report is that he handled everything fine," Williams said. "Ran, hit some grounders, ran, ran around the outfield (and) had lots of action out there. He came out of it great."

Williams said the Nationals would probably decide what to do with Zimmerman after batting practice today. Asked if he could be activated Saturday, the manager said, "Potentially."

When he returns, the Nationals will use Zimmerman at third base, first base, left field and as a bat off the bench. Williams cautioned that Zimmerman will need to treat the final days of the season as if it were the early portion of spring training, scheduling time off for strengthening and stretching to avoid the risk of reinjury.

"But he also needs to play, so that will be a challenge, too, over the last 10: to get him enough at-bats to where he feels good and get him out there and play multiple positions and really test it," Williams said.

There's no doubt that Williams and the Nationals are eager for Zimmerman's return. The veteran missed the celebration of the National League East title, watching the festivities from Turner Field on a television from a rental apartment in Florida.

"It's like making a trade for a proven run-producer," Williams said.