Ryan Zimmerman throws on field for first time since shoulder surgery
By D.J. ShortFeb 28, 2013, 8:08 PM EST
Ryan Zimmerman has yet to make his spring debut, but he continues to make encouraging progress from offseason surgery on his right shoulder.
According to Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post, Zimmerman threw to second base for the first time today for the first time this spring. He's hoping to make throws across the infield by the end of the weekend.
While his shoulder issues regularly resulted in awkward throws from third base last year, Zimmerman said that things are now "back to normal." One Nationals' person agreed with the assessment, telling Kilgore that Zimmerman is "not fighting his arm slot."
The current plan is for Zimmerman to be eased into Grapefruit League action as the designated hitter. If all goes well over the next few days, he could be in the lineup at third base late next week.
Zimmerman, 28, batted .282/.346/.478 with 25 home runs, 95 RBI and an .824 OPS last season.
UPDATE: Dan Kolko of MASN reports that Zimmerman will make his spring debut as the DH on Sunday.