CSN Washington’s Mark Zuckerman yesterday reported that Nationals’ 3B Ryan Zimmerman “performed some light baseball activities Tuesday afternoon for the first time since going on the 15-day DL April 9.” However, as Zuckerman also pointed out, “(Zimmerman) is still going to need some more time before he’s activated off the disabled list.” MASN’s Ben Goessling also reported that manager Jim Riggleman was “almost certain the third baseman will need to go on a rehab assignment.”

So, is it possible we could see the All-Star third baseman return to City Island on a short rehab stint for the first time since he was here in 2005?

I think it’s safe to say that he’s not going to be ready to play by tomorrow morning and that is the last game of Harrisburg’s current homestand. It’s also highly doubtful they’d send him to join the club on the road in New Britain, CT for a weekend series against the Rock Cats. However, if he’s ready to get in games by next week he may still end up in a Senators jersey as the club heads to the geographically advantageous Bowie for a series from Monday to Thursday next week. If he needs any more time than that then we are definitely talking about a real chance he comes to the midstate as the Senators’ next homestand starts May 6th and is for 6 games against Reading and Altoona.

What other options do Zimmerman and the Nationals have?

Hi-A Potomac – The P-Nats are away in Myrtle Beach and Salem for the next two series and while both of those are relatively close in proximity or easy to get to, there is also a real possibility that the team could be on the road a lot longer than that because of field conditions at Pfitzner Stadium. The uncertainty and safety of the situation is something the Nationals may look to avoid with Zimmerman’s choice of rehab assignments.

Triple-A Syracuse – The Chiefs are home all the way though next Thursday and if Zim’s still not ready to go by then, the Chiefs head on the road 3.5 hours south of D.C. to Durham, NC. As much as Syracuse is a haul, being home for the next 8 days is definitely advantageous.

In the end, where and when he goes for his rehab assignment will depend on how Zimmerman reacts to his workouts over the next couple of days and how fast the Nationals want to push him along in the process.