SEEN AND HEARD AT DOLPHIN STADIUM

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SEEN AND HEARD AT DOLPHIN STADIUM

MIAMI - Ryan Zimmerman thinks he's getting closer to returning from the shoulder injury that has sidelined him the last month.

The Nationals third baseman will begin swinging exercises Tuesday, be re-examined by orthopedist Tim Kremchek in Cincinnati later this week while the club is facing the Reds and start taking batting practice by the end of the week.

Zimmerman remains cautiously optimistic he won't need surgery, but he still can't say he's in the clear.

“I've been happy with the progress I've made,” he said. “I'm encouraged. But the real test will be once I start swinging. You can't really tell until you get into a game.”

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BY THE NUMBERS

6 Nationals who will have made their big league debuts this season once Collin Balester pitches Tuesday against the Marlins.

TUESDAY'S GAME

Nationals RHP Collin Balester 0-0, 0.00

Marlins LHP Mark Hendrickson 7-6, 5.93

7:10 p.m. MASN2