Ryan Zimmerman's injury is more serious than initially expected, and now, we have a more firm timetable of just how long the Nationals' slugger will be out of action. General manager Mike Rizzo said that Zimmerman is expected to miss six weeks, which would leave him out of action until mid-June. Via Mark Zuckerman of CSN Washington.
Rizzo: Zimmerman has tear of rectus muscle in abdomen. Surgery Tues in Philly. Expected back in 6 weeks.
That is a little more optimistic that a projection by FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, who had sources tell him that Zimmerman may not play until the All-Star break in mid-July. Now, Rosenthal is saying "mid-June, and probably beyond." Whatever the timetable, it's a huge loss for a Nationals team that has fared well this season relative to expectations, but desperately needs Zimmerman's offense in the middle of the lineup and his spectacular defense at third base.