Zimmermann’s odd place: Healthy in spring training
Tigers pitcher had offseason spent on training, not rehab
Jeff Seidel
LAKELAND, Fla. – Jordan Zimmermann was on the mound on Thursday morning, pitching his first official bullpen, and he felt as good as he’s ever felt in spring training for the Detroit Tigers.
He spent the entire offseason healthy for the first time since he signed with the Tigers in 2016. He was able to train instead of rehab.
“I finally had a normal offseason where I didn’t have surgeries or injections or anything like that,” Zimmermann said. “I was able to get my normal work, my normal training. If you are injured, you have to rehab and you can’t lift as heavy as you would like to lift, or do the things you want to do. Coming into camp I feel good. I’m ready to go.”
Zimmerman has made 95 starts in the last four years for the Tigers, pitching through a variety of injuries: two torn groins, a partially torn abdominal muscle and neck and back issues.
He has taken injections and undergone surgery, which have affected his preparation.
But he’s healthy now.
“Everything is coming out and I’m locating well,” Zimmermann said. “Now, it’s just fine tuning everything and building up arm strength and getting ready for the season.”
Zimmermann, 33, is in the final year of a five-year, $110-million contract with the Tigers.
“This guy has had a great career,” Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire said. “He’s struggled with injuries. I think all a pitcher can ask for is to go into a season feeling good and healthy and he hasn’t been able to do it. Good for him. He has taken care of himself, now we can see what he can do. We know this guy has been a great pitcher for a long time. He doesn’t have the same stuff he had when he was young, but very rarely do people ever carry that stuff until they are done. This is his last year on his contract and he wants to help this ball club.”
As Zimmermann pitched on Wednesday, a pair of pitching prospects -- Joey Wentz and Beau Burrows – stood behind him and watched him pitch.
The Tigers have several prospects in camp and it is invaluable to have them watch the veterans, just to see how they work.
“He’s a good leader and a lot of guys look up to him,” Gardenhire said. “I’m hoping he does stay healthy for us, because he can be big for us.”
Zimmermann is encouraged with the Tigers’ potential lineup, especially after several additions.
“We brought a lot of guys in,” Zimmermann said. “I think we had some key additions, in spots where we had some holes the last couple of years. Even signing (Cameron) Maybin is going to help out quite a bit.
“He brings a lot of energy. He’s great in the outfield. He’ll run some stuff down for you. That’s what we need. A big outfield like we have, you need some speedsters. Between him and JaCoby (Jones), they can cover a lot of ground out there. It will be exciting and fun to watch.”
An early injury
Shao-Ching Chiang, a right-handed pitcher who is a non-roster invitee, is the only pitcher who hasn’t thrown a bullpen.
“He’s not able to throw,” Gardenhire said. “I think he has a little something in his side or back or something.”