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Jordan Zimmermann has been one of the best starters in the National League this season. Still, he is not representing the Washington Nationals in the 2012 All-Star Game at Kauffman Stadium.
Gio Gonzalez and Stephen Strasburg are the pitchers that will be doing the honors, and both have enjoyed stellar seasons thus far.
Neither of the two hurlers that were selected lead the Nationals in innings pitched or ERA, though. The leader in those categories? Zimmermann.
With 97.1 innings pitched and a 2.77 ERA, Zimmermann has been the most reliable starter in a very strong starting rotation. At 4-6, he doesn’t necessarily have the record to show for it, though.
Zimmermann is not as flashy as Gonzalez or Strasburg, as he has struck out just 65 batters in his 97-plus innings of work. That being said, he gets outs. He sports a WHIP of just 1.151.
Surprisingly, he also leads the rotation in home runs allowed (20) and opponents batting average (.251). I guess that’ll happen when you’re a pitch-to-contact guy like Zimmermann.
Even with his faults—which there aren’t many of—Zimmermann has been as dependable as they come this season. The All-Star game is usually reserved for the big names, but having a guy like Zimmermann on the squad would really help the National League.
If the game goes into extras, he could be used as a long reliever to give the team two or three innings. If the NL needs a double play ball late in the game, he can come in to try and induce one.
While Lance Lynn is the most likely candidate for those roles, there really isn’t a clear-cut favorite on the roster.
Simply put, Zimmermann has pitched like an All Star this season. Even if he’s not considered one by the fans, the Washington Nationals are certainly happy that he’s on their roster.
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