Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman hasn't played since Friday on account of some right shoulder inflammation. In his stead, the Nationals have started Mark DeRosa and Steve Lombardozzi at third base. Mark DeRosa and Steve Lombardozzi are fine baseball players to have around the block if you're putting together a neighborhood baseball team, but the Nationals are trying to win a major-league division, and Ryan Zimmerman's a big part of their plans. So what's the status of Ryan Zimmerman?

No decision on possible DL until after Zimmerman tries to hit tomorrow but MRI gave him peace of mind &he knows he can't hurt it more. #nats

— Amanda Comak (@acomak) April 25, 2012

Ryan Zimmerman had an MRI on his shoulder and the results didn't show any structural damage. That's a great relief to Zimmerman, who's just putting up with some discomfort. But if the discomfort's still there Thursday, the Nationals could opt to rest him to get him back to 100 percent. Zimmerman has said he feels no pain when throwing but some pain when batting, and while throwing's important, batting's more important. In the long-term, this isn't a big deal, but in the short-term, the Nationals might have to live without Ryan Zimmerman for some time yet.