Zimmermann reflects on Nats tenure after likely final start

After seven seasons with the Washington Nationals, Jordan Zimmermann likely threw his final pitch for the franchise on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old righty, who will become a free agent after the season, isn't expected to be re-signed by the Nats due to a combination of the team's payroll situation and the top pitching prospects it has in the queue.

In what appears to be his final start in a Nats uniform, Zimmermann gave up two earned runs over six innings but was tagged with the loss in Washington's 2-0 defeat to the Braves on Wednesday.

Despite the loss, Zimmermann was nostalgic as he reflected on his tenure with the Nats.

"I've been thinking about it the last couple days, actually," Zimmermann said, per the Washington Post. "I may not be around these guys anymore next year. Some of these guys have been around seven years and had a great time. We'll see what the offseason brings."

As he looked back on the many memories he's had with a curly "W" emblazoned on his hat, Zimmermann listed his no-hitter in 2014 as his favorite moment.

With his 70 wins, 3.32 ERA and 903 strikeouts in 1,094 innings – all of which are Nationals club records – over seven seasons, Zimmermann has been an integral component in the Nats' emergence as a competitive franchise.

"When I first got drafted, we were at the bottom," he said. "We had a few good drafts and got some great talent and rose to the top and made the playoffs a few times. I've enjoyed every day."

His teammates, some of whom were alongside Zimmermann during the Nats' ascent, became sentimental when reflecting on his likely parting.

"It's pretty hard," Wilson Ramos said. "I want that guy on this team. … This is the business. You can be here one year and you can't the next year."

"Any team, whether it's the Nationals or anybody else, will be lucky to have him," Ian Desmond added.

When discussing his impending free agency, Zimmermann said that "every team's going to have a shot" to sign him.

Nonetheless, his focus was on relishing his time with the Nats and cherishing the relationships he formed over the years.

"I made some great friends along the way," Zimmermann said. "I'm going to miss these guys."