WASHINGTON — By the time Jordan Zimmermann walked off the mound after the sixth inning on Wednesday night, the last chapter of his 2015 season had already been written. The Nationals were trailing 2-0 at the time and would not produce another base-runner in the game.
His final final line: six innings, two runs and six hits, with a strikeout and a walk against the Atlanta Braves.
With free agency looming after the World Series, and the Nationals already giving big money contracts to starters Max Scherzer, Gio Gonzalez and Stephen Strasburg, the odds are stacked against Zimmermann returning to the team that drafted him in 2007.
At 29 years old, Zimmermann figures to land a large contract in free agency, joined at the head of the free agent class by Blue Jays ace David Price. If Zimmermann indeed departs this offseason, he leaves behind memories that Nationals fans should cherish.
Here is a list of his top-five moments under the curly ‘W’:
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April 20, 2009: Welcome to the Show
After not needing a fifth starter to begin the season, the Nationals called up Zimmermann in the third week of April to pitch in front of the smallest crowd in franchise history (12,473), on a rainy, chilly night at Nationals Park.
Even with the intrigue of the franchise’s top prospect making his MLB debut, the day wasn’t about Jordan. Fellow Zimmerman (with one ‘n’) Ryan was signed to a five-year, $45 million contract, the leaky bullpen finally held a lead and closer Joel Hanrahan earned his first save. Delayed two-plus hours by rain, Zimmermann’s debut against the Atlanta Braves was crisp.
His first final line: six innings, two runs and six hits, with three strikeouts and a walk against the Atlanta Braves.
Said Braves superstar Chipper Jones: “Everyone was pretty impressed. He has a bright future.”
Teammate Adam Dunn noted: “That was a tough position. A lot of people probably expected him to go out there and throw a no-hitter and just be the greatest thing walking. He came out and pitched great. Threw strikes. He pitched as advertised. That’s kind of what we needed.”
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Aug. 26, 2010: Shoulder the Load
Zimmermann tore his UCL to end his rookie season, but recovered quickly from Tommy John’s surgery, returning to the majors in just 12 months. On the day of his 2010 debut, the team announced that fellow phenom Stephen Strasburg would need Tommy John’s, putting pressure on Zimmermann.
He responded admirably in his second start back, twirling six innings of shutout baseball, striking out a career high of nine batters and became the first player in Nationals history to face the minimum 18 batters over six innings. During one stretch, he struck out eight of 11 batters faced and set down the final 14 Marlins.
In his own words after the game: “I felt great. That’s probably the best I’ve felt in a long time.”
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May 6, 2011: Pure Perfection
Once again in Miami, Zimmermann uncorked the 42nd perfect inning in Major League history, needed just nine pitches to strike out the side in an inning. He did the deed against the trio of Mike Stanton, Greg Dobbs and John Buck, becoming the fourth pitcher to victimize the Marlins with the feat in a seven-year stretch.
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Oct. 11, 2012: Slamming the Door
Rising to the occasion in a role he had not filled in five years, Zimmermann came out of the bullpen in Game 4 of the National League Division Series, channeling the lore of Randy Johnson in the playoffs. It’s an ironic comparison, considering Zimmermann pitched opposite of The Big Unit in his 300th career win, and was the first Expos/Nationals pitcher since Johnson (1988) to win each of his first two MLB starts.
Zimmerman came into the game in relief of Ross Detwiler in the seventh inning, needing just 12 pitches to strike out the side.
Utilizing a 97-mph fastball, Zimmermann found comfort in a role he hadn’t filled since A-ball: “I’m ready for whatever. I could throw three days in a row if the fans stay the way they are. I didn’t really feel anything.”
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September 28, 2014: No-No
Zimmermann gave the ultimate gift to Nationals fans who came out on the last day of the 2014 season, after the team had already clinched the NL East Championship and standings going into the playoffs. Facing just one batter over the minimum, Zimmermann threw the first no-hitter in Nationals history, saved at the end by a leaping grab from Steven Souza Jr.
No major leaguer had thrown a no-hitter in Washington since Bobby Burke did it for the Senators in 1931, and Zimmermann needed just 104 pitches to complete the task.
“Just an epic day for an epic season,” said Denard Span, who set a Nationals season record with his 184th hit.
Did we miss any? Be sure to let us know in the comments below.
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