Zimmerman works in outfield during batting practice

Manager Matt Williams gave the latest update on third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, who is in the process of rehabbing a right hamstring strain. Zimmerman has continued running and agility drills. He was seen doing some baseball-related activities during batting practice Monday prior to the Nationals' series opener against the Braves, throwing the ball to his teammates while in the outfield. The turning and running for Zimmerman, including pivoting and twisting defensively along with running the bases, are critical to his recovery from a hamstring injury. Offensively, Williams said Zimmerman will have no trouble getting that back. "If I look at Zim, I know his swing comes really quick," Williams said. "The mechanics of his swing come really fast. The telling sign for us is him getting on the basepaths because that's ultimately what's going to be the determining factor any way. He's out running. He's doing some running and doing some agility stuff. That's part of his process. The next step will be ramping that up and getting on the basepaths. When that will be I don't know. But I think he's fairly close to being able to do that. ... "The last MRI he had was good. Strength is good. Everything is improving there. So once he gets out there and he's able to turn some bases, then we'll have a better idea of his time schedule from there. But his swing comes pretty quick." Zimmerman said he does not mind if they play him at third base, left field or first base when he returns, and does not know where they will put him. "Whatever position that makes it easier for us to win that day," Zimmerman said. "That's kind of the way the season is going to be. It's the way it's going to work out. Whatever (Williams) wants me play that day. Hopefully, I can come back and help a little bit." Would he consider a pinch-hitter's role? "I mean nobody wants to come off the bench," Zimmerman said. "I don't know, that's way too early to ask those questions because what role it's going to be, what can happen in the next two weeks, that's where it always somehow has a way of letting things work out. Seems like all sports do that. When I'm back and ready to play, then we can talk about that stuff. It's too early. I just really don't want to think about it right now to be honest with you." Zimmerman said it is never a great feeling when you cannot play due to injury, but watching the team improve to 80-61 has helped. "It's been a little bit easier to handle not playing with the way they've been playing, sitting there watching them win games and build this lead and hopefully be able to close it out," Zimmerman said.