Zim out of lineup, but hamstring cramp not serious

NEW YORK -- Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman had the day off Friday because of a left hamstring cramp. Zimmerman, who is expected to play Saturday afternoon, said the injury is not considered serious.

"Zimmerman is still having a little problem with it," manager Davey Johnson said. "It's going to be a cool night. If I play him tonight, I'll be taking a chance. He'll definitely play tomorrow. Let's try to nip it in the bud with him."

Zimmerman started having hamstring problems during the weekend series against the Braves, but he didn't complain until Wednesday against the Marlins, when he was taken out of the game in the seventh inning.

"At some point, you have to decide whether you want to take it easy and make it a one-game thing or try to push it," Zimmerman said. "Early in the year, [it's] kind of stupid [to push it]. We'll see how it feels."