The Washington Nationals were dealt a significant — albeit, very much anticipated — blow last weekend when right-hander Jordan Zimmermann signed a 5-year, $110 million deal with the Detroit Tigers. Zimmermann was one of the team’s best pitchers and had grown into one of the best starters in the game. Whether they were expecting it or not, losing Zimmermann hurts.
But the Nationals have been preparing for this moment for several years now, and the team has more than enough depth to survive the loss of one of its home grown stars. Namely, the Nationals have Tanner Roark — the 2014 15-game winner who was relegated to a bullpen role last season after the team signed Max Scherzer.