Zimmerman making progress as thumb heals

WASHINGTON -- X-rays taken Monday on Ryan Zimmerman's fractured right thumb showed that the Nationals third baseman is making good progress in his recovery, according to manager Matt Williams.

Zimmerman was expected to miss four to six weeks after sustaining the injury sliding back into second base against the Braves on April 12. He's now a little more than three weeks into his recovery.

"Zim's X-rays were great, and he's on path to begin his rehab as soon as possible," Williams said. "Fracture is still there. It's only three weeks, so it's still there, but there's callouses and it's progressing well. But we have to be cautious in these days, because he's feeling better and wants to do more, but it's not quite bone yet. But all the X-rays were good."

Zimmerman has been able to lift weights and work on his conditioning since the injury, but he has to wait until the fracture heals to begin strengthening the thumb.

In 10 games before the incident occurred, Zimmerman hit .364/.405/.636 with three doubles and two home runs.