Zimmerman's progress on schedule for possible Sunday return

Positive news on the progress of third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, who threw Tuesday during batting practice and his throwing motion looked good. Zimmerman has been out with right shoulder inflammation of the AC joint. Manager Davey Johnson said Zimmerman can't hit until the weekend. The doctors don't think he can re-injure his shoulder by swinging. The injury occurred hitting the ground diving for a ball on defense. So, is there anything that Zimmerman could do to prevent the injury from happening again? Take it easy at third base? Manager Davey Johnson said that is not in Zimmerman's makeup. "He is gamer," Johnson said. "He just goes all out. It is kind of hard to put a governor on that. You really don't want to. Every time he dives, he catches it. I hate to tell him to quit diving." It is built into the position. To play third base like the one of the all-time greats like Mike Schmidt, Brook Robinson or George Brett, you are going to have to be very aggressive and alive on defense. "Third base you almost have to dive," Johnson said. "Every time you look at a highlight the third baseman is diving for a ball. I don't know if there is anything we can do, nothing protective. Hopefully, he doesn't aggravate it." But Zimmerman's recovery is on schedule and Tuesday was a big step forward. Sunday's series finale against the Phillies looks like an excellent place for him to restart his season healthy. "I would activate him right away," Johnson said. "It is up to Zimmerman. We will see how he is feeling."