Zimmermann out for season; surgery required

Nationals right-hander Jordan Zimmermann will need elbow reconstruction, according acting general manager Mike Rizzo. Zimmermann is expected to  be out 12 to 18 months.

Zimmermann, who was in his first year in the big leagues, pitched in 16 games and was 3-5 with a 4.63 ERA and team-leading 92 strikeouts with Washington. There is no word on when or where the surgery will take place. 

The Nationals had concerns about Zimmermann’s elbow since last Saturday after an MRI was taken the previous day. But before making an final conclusion, the Nationals took the MRI to Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., and he confirmed that Zimmermann has a tear in his ulnar collateral ligament. Washington also is planning to get a third opinion from Dr. Lewis Yocum in Southern California before surgery is done.

“Jordan was very upset. It was one of the toughest calls I had to make,” Rizzo said. “He is one of our crown jewels. He is going to work hard and be in Washington rehabbing his right arm.”

Zimmermann last pitched on July 18th against the Cubs before complaining of tightness in the elbow. 

Zimmermann was not available for comment.