Zim has productive first sim game in rehab process

ATLANTA -- Ryan Zimmerman played in his first simulated game Tuesday and was productive at the Nationals' Spring Training complex, according to manager Matt Williams. Zimmerman was able to get five at-bats, had two doubles and ran the bases without any problems.

"He had a full workout . He hit in the cage, he did a full day's work," Williams said. "He said he felt great afterward, so we'll push him to five innings [Wednesday] and see where he is at after that," Williams said.

The Nationals are trying to ease Zimmerman's way into game action. On Wednesday, Zimmerman, who suffered a Grade 3 hamstring strain in late July, will play three innings at third and two innings at first base. Zimmerman will be a designated hitter on Thursday.

Williams didn't commit when asked where Zimmerman would play once he is activated from the disabled list. But Williams recently said Zimmerman will play three positions -- left field, third base and first base.

"We have to make sure he gets over his injury first," Williams said. "Once he does that, then we will have those decisions to make. They are not easy, but it is a very good problem to have, when somebody like Zim is back on your team.