Zim still trying to work through throwing problems

WASHINGTON -- Ryan Zimmerman has made 17 errors at third base this season, most of which are the result of a surgically repaired AC joint in his right shoulder. He said in early June that the shoulder is not 100 percent and that 2013 would basically be a rehab year.

Manager Davey Johnson was asked Tuesday if Zimmerman should switch from third base to first.

"If that doesn't get better, then obviously it's not a good spot for him to be in," Johnson said. "But at one time he had a cannon, and we're all waiting for him to come back. I still think it's more mental, not just trusting it and cutting it loose. I see his work and he throws the ball pretty good, and then you see him having to play real shallow and almost cheating in, so it's not all together there yet is what I'm saying."

Johnson thought that Zimmerman would need until June to adjust his mechanics, but the Nationals' skipper is surprised that the issues still haven't been worked out.

"I knew it was going to take until June, but obviously it's taken longer," Johnson said. "It's more about him, if you see him throw early, he throws deeper and throws the ball on line. I don't know if it's physical or mental."