MLB notes: Nationals’ Ryan Zimmerman making transition to 1st base
The way Ryan Zimmerman sees it, change is not something to get all worked up about.
After being the Washington Nationals opening day third baseman for the past nine seasons, the 30-year-old is making the transition to first base this spring.
“All good things come to an end,” Zimmerman said Tuesday. “Not too many people get to play as long as I have, and be as lucky as I have been so far. I’ve still got a lot of baseball left. It’s like a new chapter, I guess. We’ll go from there.”
For the second straight day, Zimmerman spent his morning working out in the stadium with manager Matt Williams and coaches Mark Weidemaier and Jeff Garber. He took ground balls and infield throws – including some in the dirt – and also spent some time practicing flipping the ball to the pitcher covering the bag.
“A lot of it’s just being over there and getting some experience …. not so much in learning the cutoffs, but getting that muscle memory and getting used to the responsibilities over there,” Zimmerman said. “Other than that, it’s a pretty self-explanatory position. I’ve just got to get some experience in some games this spring.”
When Williams came in as the Nationals manager last season, he announced Zimmerman would get some work at first base during the spring. In fact, Zimmerman played there for five games last year and also spent 30 games in left field while playing only 23 at third in an injury-plagued campaign.
With Anthony Rendon establishing himself as a potential star at third base, and first baseman Adam LaRoche leaving during free agency, the Nationals have decided it’s time to have Zimmerman switch corner infield spots.
“It’s going to be an easier transition for him as opposed to other folks because he’s a fantastic athlete,” Williams said.
Clearing the bases
The Cardinals are sending ace Adam Wainwright to St. Louis to be examined by a doctor after his workout was cut short by abdominal pain. … Alex Rodriguez started his second day of workouts at the Yankees’ minor league complex by hugging Chase Headley, the player signed to replace him at third base. Rodriguez says “he’s an excellent addition to our team.” … Mets first baseman Lucas Duda will not swing a bat for the next few days as he recovers from a left intercostal strain. … Manny Ramirez and Kevin Youkilis have been hired by Cubs’ executive Theo Epstein, their old boss on the Boston Red Sox. Ramirez was announced as the Cubs’ hitting consultant. Youkilis was given a part-time job as a scouting and player development consultant. … The Rangers have acquired left-handed reliever Edgar Olmos on a waiver claim from the Seattle Mariners. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Rangers placed second baseman Jurickson Profar on the 60-day disabled list. … Miami slugger Giancarlo Stanton says he’s fully recovered from the September beaning that ended his 2014 season and took him out of contention for the N.L. most valuable player award. … Detroit has signed Joba Chamberlain to a one-year contract, bringing the free agent reliever back to the Tigers after an up-and-down season as their setup man in 2014.