Nationals put 1B Ryan Zimmerman on DL, recall OF den Dekker

By foxsports
Published

MILWAUKEE (AP) Ryan Zimmerman tried to play with a sore left foot, but every step gave him pain.

The Washington Nationals on Thursday finally decided to give him a break, putting their first baseman on the 15-day disabled list with plantar fasciitis.

Washington recalled outfielder Matt den Dekker from Triple-A Syracuse to replace Zimmerman.

Nationals manager Matt Williams hoped Zimmerman will only need to spend the minimum time on the disabled list, though he said the veteran will need ''total rest.''

Zimmerman is hitting .209 with five home runs and 34 RBIs in 56 games this season, his first as a regular first baseman.

''For most of the season he was able to play with it,'' Williams said. ''It's not something he can't play with. It's just bothersome.''

Anything that Zimmerman did on the field affected the sore left foot, Williams said.

''Hopefully the time off will calm it down,'' the manager said.

Clint Robinson got the start at first on Thursday night against Milwaukee. Williams said Tyler Moore will also play first, while middle infielder Danny Espinosa could also fill in.

This is den Dekker's third stint with the Nationals this season.

Washington acquired right-handed reliever David Carpenter from the New York Yankees on Thursday for minor league second baseman Tony Renda.

Carpenter was designated for assignment on June 3, after going 0-1 with a 4.82 ERA in 22 games this season.

He is 11-11 with a 2.73 ERA in 210 career appearances for four major league clubs. Carpenter's two years of experience pitching in the NL East while with Atlanta made him especially attractive to Washington.

''A big fastball,'' Williams said. ''We've seen enough of him over the last couple of years in Atlanta. He knows our division well and he will have that comfort level.''

Williams envisioned using Carpenter in a setup role in the seventh inning. Carpenter was home in West Virginia and had yet to join the Nationals.

Renda was a second-round draft pick in 2012.

Washington also transferred outfielder Nate McClouth (shoulder) from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day DL.