Zimmerman fighting Al-Jazeera

Even after a decade in the majors, Ryan Zimmerman knows that one report saying he took performanceenhancing drugs could tarnish his reputation.

So he’s fighting to clear his name after AlJazeera America aired a documentary in late December that implicated the Nationals’ starting first baseman.

In January, he and Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard filed defamation suits against the network, and on Tuesday, Zimmerman vigorously defended himself against the claims made in “The Dark Side: Secrets of Sports Doping.”

Zimmerman — who said his emotions have ranged from shock, anger and frustration — said he believes trainer Jason Riley is the reason his name got linked to pharmacist Charles Sly, who was featured in the documentary. Sly recanted his statements about Zimmerman, Howard and Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning taking human growth hormone before the documentary aired.

“I’ve never met that guy, I’ve never heard of that guy,” Zimmerman said of Sly. “None of that stuff is true. I’ve never done any of that. I’ve never even thought about doing any of that.”

Howard said Tuesday lawyers can deal with his lawsuit. He added he thinks it would be “tough for anybody at anytime” to deal with the allegations and the legal battles.

ORIOLES: According to multiple reports, outfielder Dexter Fowler agreed to a threeyear, $35million deal with Baltimore, which still is awaiting finalization of a deal with pitcher Yovani Gallardo, which has hit a snag over his physical.

REDS: Outfielder Jay Bruce said he followed reports he was headed to Toronto in a threeteam trade that seems to have fallen through. Outfielder Michael Saunders would have gone to the Angels, with the Reds getting more prospects. Angels general manager Billy Eppler wouldn’t confirm that a medical problem with one of the players in the proposed deal caused it to come apart.

WHITE SOX: Jimmy Rollins agreed to a minor league contract with Chicago. He would get a $2 million, oneyear contract if added to the 40man roster.

TIGERS: Third baseman Casey McGehee agreed to a minor league contract and was in camp Tuesday. Nick Castellanos is Detroit’s starting third baseman.