Ryan Zimmerman is doing his best to prolong what could be his final campaign with the Nationals.
On Monday, the 35-year-old first baseman crushed a 97 mph fastball from Dodgers right-hander Pedro Baez over the center field wall for a crucial three-run home run in Game 4 of the NLDS. His blast gave Washington a 5-1 fifth-inning lead, helping the team to an eventual 6-1 win. It was his fourth career postseason long ball.
Zimmerman is nearing the end of a hefty contract, and his $18 million club option for 2020 is likely to be declined by the Nationals because of an overall dip in his performance. Over the past five years he’s needed to shift across the diamond from third base and has dealt with injuries and inconsistent offensive production.
Fans in Washington love him, though, which made Monday’s home run extra special. It may have been the final time they’ll be able to watch him trot around the bases at home in a Nationals uniform.
ZIMM.pic.twitter.com/4z292bzPwM
— Sporting News MLB (@sn_mlb) October 8, 2019
MORE: Yadier Molina's wild celebration after walk-off
Zimmerman did not start in Game 1 or Game 3 of the NLDS, but he got the nod in Game 4 with left-hander Rich Hill starting for Los Angeles. Despite Dodgers manager Dave Roberts switching to the right-handed Baez, Zimmerman was left in the game to bat. He delivered in style.
The Nationals, down 2-1 in the series, needed a win Monday to force a Game 5 in Southern California. Zimmerman was a primary reason for theirseason to continue.