Jordan Zimmermann dominates with Syracuse

Jordan Zimmermann began the final phase of the final phase of his recovery from Tommy John surgery this afternoon, making his first start with Class AAA Syracuse. His rehab has been nearly spotless, and Zimmermann continued that trend in Rochester, N.Y.

Zimmermann allowed no hits and walked one in three scoreless innings, facing the minimum nine batters because the walk was erased on a double play. Zimmermann hit 93 miles per hour with his fastball and needed a modicum of pitches.

Zimmermann had thrown as many as five innings, but the Nationals want to decrease his workload and build it back up once more before he returns to the major leagues. Zimmermann will throw four innings in his next start and five in the next. He will then make one more five-inning start with Syracuse. If his velocity remains constant, he'll make the leap to the majors early in September.