Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman had an April to remember, and the reigning National League Player of the Month has carried his spectacular start to the 2017 season over into May.
On Friday, Zimmerman hit his NL-leading 12th home run, and after a 3-for-5 performance against the Phillies, is batting .433 with a 1.359 OPS. He's hit nine home runs in his last 15 games.
Zimmerman, 32, missed significant time due to injury from 2014-16, and in 115 games last season, hit .218/.272/.370 with 15 home runs and 46 RBIs. At his current pace, Zimmerman could eclipse his home run and RBI totals from last season before the month is out.
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Zimmerman's career high for homers is 33 in 2009 (his only All-Star season to this point), and in his last full season -- 2013 -- he hit 26. He didn't hit his 12th homer of the season in 2016 until July 6.
"Keep 'em coming," said Nationals manager Dusty Baker of Zimmerman's power surge after Washington's 4-2 win.
If they keep coming, Zimmerman could be looking at a career year, not to mention a trip to Miami with his second All-Star selection.