Trading Places: Zimmermann back at Nats Park to face Scherzer

The rubber match could not be any better Wednesday night as former Nationals starter Jordan Zimmermann takes on former Tigers hurler Max Scherzer.

"Of all the ways this could of shook out, this has to have happened exactly this way where I'm facing Jordie," Scherzer said. "He asked for a fastball right down the middle and I definitely said, 'no, you're not getting that'."

"I saw it's Max and I just talked to him a few minutes ago, joked around and said we will be locking horns (tonight)," Zimmermann said. "I said 'yeah, I can't wait'. It's going to be fun. We will see what happens."

The parallels between the two pitchers, their top of the line abilities and importance to their teams, are obvious. But Zimmermann has had the better start to this season for the Tigers, going 5-1 with a 1.10 ERA in 41 innings.

"His fastball is what sets things up," said Tigers manager Brad Ausmus. "His slider is sharp and late but he also has a good curveball. I am not worried in the least about pitching him (tonight)."

Ausmus said Zimmermann is exactly what Nats fans remember: low-key but determined to beat you with every pitch.

"He is kind of the guy we thought he was," Ausmus said. "Bulldog, no frills, dry sense of humor, low maintenance."

On his fast start, Zimmermann said he has been able to battle through tough situations and not allow big rallies.

"I've been getting into jams, guys in scoring position," Zimmermann said. "I'm able to wiggle out of them. Not giving up that big hit in big situations. I feel like I've been attacking hitters the same way. Going after them with the fastball and the slider, mixing it up. Just not giving up that big hit right now."

Does it help that you have never pitched in the American League before?

"They don't know me and I don't know them so it's kind of an even playing field," Zimmermann said. "They don't know what I have to offer and I honestly don't know what their tendencies are either. I kind of rely on the catcher quite a bit and just try to execute my pitches."

Scherzer struggled in his last start against the Cubs, allowing seven runs over five innings, and is 3-2 with a 4.60 ERA in seven starts.

"I felt it was a little predictable last time out," Scherzer said. "I'm going to try to find ways to counter act that."

Both starters are also excited to face off against their former teams, and some of their best friends.

Scherzer knows Miguel Cabrera is one of the best to ever step into a batter's box.

"Honestly, how hard he competes in all phases of the game," Scherzer said. "I know he's a big guy but he competes defensively as hard as anybody on the field. And on the bases, he's looking to take every last bag possible that he can. He's very smart about all of that.

"That's the part of him that I think gets sometimes under recognized, that doesn't get enough attention is how smart and competitive he is. We can all see him hit a 500-foot blast and talk about how great he is but it's all the other little things that he does that really make him a just a special, special player."

Looking forward to it?

"Love it. I love it," Scherzer said. "I'm facing the best hitter (tonight). He's the best hitter on earth and he knows so much. This is what you dream of, you dream of facing the best. I want to face the best. That's what makes playing in the big leagues the best thing there is."

"These are all my friends, played with them for five years there," Scherzer continued. "They're all talking trash with me and I love it. They're all talking about hitting bombs off me. I wouldn't expect anything else. I know they're a good offensive group. I've seen them do that for a number of years. It's going to be a real challenge (tonight)."

For Zimmermann, a lot of good memories flooded back into his head as he took the left turn towards the visitor's clubhouse for the first time at Nats Park on Monday afternoon.

"It's got to be the no-hitter for sure," Zimmermann said. "That and probably that playoff game against San Fran. Just coming in here, just the memories of all the guys, the guys I played with over the years. Just excited to be back and see some of them.

"It's not overly strange. I've seen it on the calendar, knew we were coming here. Other than that it's just another ballpark."

What will it be like to step on the Nats Park mound again, but this time in the bottom of the first inning?

"Excited. I'm sure I'll be pretty amped up," Zimmermann said. "I'll just have to calm those emotions and go out there and pitch my game."

What about his approach versus Bryce Harper? Will he walk him as has been the case in high leverage situations the last few games against the Cubs and Tigers?

"I can't say that right now," Zimmermann said.

"A lot of times the game dictates if you walk him or not," Ausmus said of their Harper strategy. "He is probably the most dangerous hitter in the game right now."