APRIL 6, 2022 • BALTIMORESUN.COM
Orioles set 28-man roster; Baltimore area native Bruce Zimmermann to start home opener The Orioles have tentatively set their roster for Friday’s season opener against the Tampa Bay Rays, with Ellicott City native Bruce Zimmerm...
Clinches rotation spot Manager Brandon Hyde said Zimmermann will be included in the Orioles' season-opening rotation and will make his first start in Monday's home opener versus the Brewers, Zachary Silv...
Impact Despite serving up three home runs across his three Grapefruit League outings, Zimmermann's tidy 9:2 K:BB over his eight innings looks like it was enough for him to break camp as the team's No. 4 starter. In what seems to be an annual tradition, the Orioles are short on impact arms, so the bar will be low for Zimmermann to maintain a regular starting role if the Orioles aren't willing to rush top pitching prospects Grayson Rodriguez and DL Hall to the majors. The 27-year-old lefty turned in a rather underwhelming rookie season in 2021, finishing with a 5.04 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 11.9 K-BB% in 64.1 innings.
APRIL 6, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Strengthens case for rotation Zimmermann allowed one unearned run on one hit and struck out two over three innings in Wednesday's 7-6 win over the Rays. He posted zero walks.
Impact Zimmermann has logged five innings across two spring starts, with Wednesday's being the far better of the two after his first one was delayed by a stomach bug. Manager Brandon Hyde designated John Means, Jordan Lyles and Tyler Wells as part of the Orioles' rotation to begin the 2022 campaign, leaving Zimmermann and a handful of other pitchers to compete for two spots. The 27-year-old southpaw posted a 5.04 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 56:22 K:BB across 64.1 innings in 14 appearances (13 starts) last season. At least initially, he may need to work with a piggyback reliever until he can get more fully stretched out after a condensed spring training.
MARCH 31, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
In line to pitch Wednesday Zimmermann (illness) is scheduled to pitch Wednesday versus the Rays, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.
Impact Zimmermann was forced out of his last appearance after two innings while dealing with a stomach bug. He appears to have put the illness behind him and will likely try to stretch out a bit more in Wednesday's outing.
MARCH 28, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Dealing with stomach issue Zimmermann (illness) exited his outing early on Thursday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.
Impact Zimmermann started Thursday's contest against the Red Sox and struggled through two innings, allowing three earned runs on two hits and a walk -- though he also struck out four. This issue doesn't appear likely to affect his ability to take his first turn through the rotation once the regular season gets underway.
MARCH 25, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Chased in first inning Zimmerman (4-5) allowed three runs on five hits and recorded one strikeout while taking a loss against Toronto on Sunday. He recorded two outs.
Impact George Springer launched a leadoff shot off Zimmerman to begin the first inning. Toronto scored two more runs in the frame and ended Zimmerman's day after just 28 pitches. He posted a 3.24 ERA in his previous five outings but saw his season ERA climb to 5.04 through 64.1 frames. Zimmerman finished the 2021 campaign 56:21 K:BB and a 1.48 WHIP.
OCTOBER 4, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
On track to start Sunday Zimmermann is expected to start Sunday in the Orioles' season finale against the Blue Jays in Toronto, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.
Impact After a three-and-a-half-month stint on the injured list due to biceps tendinitis and a severe ankle sprain, Zimmermann rejoined the Baltimore rotation Tuesday. He turned in a respectable showing en route to taking a no-decision against the Red Sox, working four innings while allowing a run on two hits and two walks. Zimmermann shouldn't face any significant restrictions with his workload Sunday after building up to 70 pitches Tuesday.
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Activated for Tuesday's start Zimmermann (ankle) was activated from the 60-day injured list ahead of his scheduled Tuesday start against the Red Sox.
Impact The club announced over the weekend that Zimmermann would return from a three-month absence to start Tuesday, and now he's officially been added back to the 28-man and 40-man rosters. The southpaw built up to four innings in his latest rehab outing with Triple-A Norfolk last Thursday, so he should have a chance to qualify for a potential win if he can be efficient Tuesday.
SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Joining rotation Tuesday Zimmermann (ankle) is expected to start Tuesday's game against the Red Sox, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.
Impact He gave up five earned runs while striking out nine in 6.1 innings through two rehab starts. Zimmermann will take the rotation spot of Keegan Akin, who is done for the year with a left adductor strain. Zimmermann could make two starts next week if the Orioles stick with a five-man rotation.
SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Rehab moved to Triple-A Zimmermann's (ankle) rehab assignment was transferred to Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday, Steve Melewski of MASNSports.com reports.
Impact The left-hander began his rehab stint with a start at Double-A Bowie on Saturday. He allowed three runs on five hits across 2.1 innings and will now make his next appearance with Norfolk, presumably later this week. If it ends up being his last outing in the minors, Zimmermann could be activated for the final week of the season, quite possibly to serve as a long reliever.
SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Rehab outing scheduled Zimmermann (ankle) will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Bowie on Saturday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.
Impact Zimmermann hasn't pitched in a major-league game since mid-June because of biceps tendinitis and a severe ankle sprain. The club said last week that the southpaw still has a chance of returning to log big-league innings this season, and him beginning a rehab assignment over the weekend is a key step toward that becoming a reality. It's unclear how many outings Zimmermann is expected to need in the minors, but he could have a chance to return to the major-league roster by late September assuming he's builds up to work as a reliever.
SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Has chance to return this season The Orioles have not ruled out the possibility of Zimmermann (ankle) returning before the end of the season, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.
Impact Zimmermann was initially sidelined with biceps tendinitis in mid-June, and just when he was on the brink of being reinstated in mid-August, he suffered a severe ankle sprain. The Orioles have already alluded to the possibility of his season being over, but Friday's update indicates the club is still holding out hope that the southpaw can return to log innings in some form during the season's final weeks. However, until he resumes mound work, the 27-year-old will remain without a concrete timeline.
SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Could miss remainder of 2021 Zimmermann is dealing with a severe right ankle sprain and could miss the rest of the season, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.
Impact Zimmermann was slated to return to the starting rotation last weekend, but he sprained his ankle while exercising. The southpaw had spent two months recovering from biceps tendinitis, and he'll now be sidelined indefinitely due to his ankle injury.
AUGUST 20, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Moves to 60-day IL Zimmermann (biceps) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Sunday with a sprained right ankle.
Impact The left-hander has been sidelined the past two months by biceps tendinitis but was poised to rejoin Baltimore's rotation Sunday, but the ankle sprain will extend his absence. Zimmermann has already been out 60-plus days and can be activated from the IL at any point, but it's unclear how much longer he's expected to be sidelined after suffering the sprained ankle.
AUGUST 15, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Dan Connolly: LHP Bruce Zimmermann was placed on the 60-day... - The Athletic LHP Bruce Zimmermann was placed on the 60-day IL today due to a sprained right ankle while doing conditioning work. But that doesn't mean he...
AUGUST 15, 2021 • THEATHLETIC.COM
Return delayed by ankle setback Zimmermann (biceps) won't return Sunday as previously expected after spraining his ankle while exercising, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.
Impact Biceps tendinitis has sidelined Zimmermann for more than two months. He was on the verge of a return before suffering the setback in a training-room accident. Exactly how serious of a setback the sprain is remains to be seen. Keegan Akin will get the nod Sunday against Boston.
AUGUST 14, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Dan Connolly: Manager Brandon Hyde said LHP Bruce Zimmermann... - The Athletic Manager Brandon Hyde said LHP Bruce Zimmermann had a training room accident recently. He sprained an ankle doing workouts. He would have bee...
AUGUST 14, 2021 • THEATHLETIC.COM
Expected to make next start Zimmermann (biceps) is expected to be reinstated from the 10-day injured list in time to make his next turn through the rotation, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.
Impact Zimmermann made his third rehab start at Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday and allowed two walks in five hitless innings. The right-hander has been on the injured list with biceps tendinitis since mid-July, but he tentatively lines up to make his next start on the road against Boston on Sunday.
AUGUST 11, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Strong in rehab start Zimmermann (biceps) allowed just two walks over five hitless innings, striking out one and earning the win over Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday.
Impact Zimmermann was quite literally unhittable in his third rehab start. He has allowed just two runs (one earned) on five hits and eight walks across 11 innings in his three rehab starts. It's possible the southpaw could be back with Baltimore as early as Sunday versus Boston if he stays on regular rest.
AUGUST 11, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Ready for second rehab start Zimmermann (biceps) is scheduled to make the second start of his rehab assignment Thursday at Triple-A Norfolk, Steve Melewski of MASNSports.com reports.
Impact After being placed on the 10-day injured list June 18 with left biceps tendinitis, Zimmermann was cleared to begin his rehab assignment at High-A Aberdeen last weekend. He tossed three innings in that start, giving up two runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks while striking out four. Zimmermann tossed 55 pitches in that outing, and if he can push into the 70-to-80 range Thursday, he could slot back into the Baltimore rotation for his next start.
AUGUST 5, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Moving rehab to High-A Zimmermann (biceps) is moving his rehab assignment to High-A Aberdeen on Saturday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.
Impact The southpaw is expected to need at least two rehab starts before he could potentially rejoin the Orioles' big-league roster. Zimmermann is still likely at least 10 days away from being activated.
JULY 31, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Conducting rehab in FCL The Orioles assigned Zimmermann (biceps) to the rookie-level Florida Complex League on Monday to begin a rehab program.
Impact Zimmermann looks to be ready for game action after being shut down for just over a month with left biceps tendinitis. The rookie southpaw will most likely require at least two rehab outings in the minors to ramp up for his pitch count, making mid-to-late August a reasonable estimate for his return to Baltimore's rotation. Before hitting the injured list, Zimmermann went 4-4 with a 4.83 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and a 53:20 K:BB across 59.2 innings with the Orioles.
JULY 27, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Could return in August Zimmermann (biceps) could return in early-to-mid-August, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.
Impact This is the third time since he was placed on the IL on June 18 that the O's have estimated he was two or three weeks away, so we'll take this timetable with a grain of salt. Once healthy, Zimmermann would likely be sent to the minors to build back up.
JULY 17, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Rehab pushed back Zimmermann's (biceps) rehab has been pushed back another week or two, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.
Impact The Orioles announced in late June that Zimmermann would miss two or three more weeks, and his recovery will extend another week or two as a precautionary measure. A clear timetable for the southpaw's return to game action hasn't yet been established, but he'll likely be sidelined at least through the All-Star break.
JULY 4, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Out two or three more weeks Zimmerman (biceps) will miss two or three more weeks, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.
Impact Zimmerman hasn't pitched in over a week due to left biceps tendinitis, and he's still not particularly close to returning to action. He's on track to return in early or mid-July.
JUNE 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
