Bowden says he's shopping

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By Mark Zuckerman

CINCINNATI | The calendar has shifted to July, the pennant races are becoming more well-defined and the trade deadline is fast approaching. Which leaves the Washington Nationals where, exactly?

"If someone wants to know if we're a buyer or a seller, we're both," general manager Jim Bowden insisted before Friday's game against the Cincinnati Reds.

How is that possible? Well, Bowden believes he can improve his franchise both by shopping around veterans who could help a contending club while also seeking young players who could figure into the organization's long-term plans.

"Any way that we can add long-term pieces, we're going to add long-term pieces," he said.

Mired in last place in the National League East and conceding the rest of the season to player development, the Nationals are actively shopping veterans Paul Lo Duca, Odalis Perez, Felipe Lopez and Tim Redding. The offers haven't coming in droves, but Perez and Redding in particular could draw more interest from contenders later this month if they continue to pitch effectively.

Already on pace to lose 100 games, the Nationals are ready to sacrifice this season in the name of potential success in the future.

"We'll trade a piece that hurts our club this year to help us win a year from now or two years from now," Bowden said. "Total focus has been long-term."

Zimmerman progresses

Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman had his injured left shoulder examined Thursday by Cincinnati orthopedist Tim Kremchek and has been cleared to advance his rehabilitation.

"Everything looked good to him," Zimmerman said. "Everything looked strong. Keep doing what we are doing, keep progressing. He said it looks fine."

Zimmerman, who has a small tear in his non-throwing shoulder, will begin taking soft-toss batting practice Saturday and could be taking full batting practice in the next week.

If he passes each step without experiencing shoulder pain, he could begin a minor league rehab assignment around the All-Star break and possibly return to the Nationals lineup in late July or early August.

The team has not ruled out the possibility of season-ending surgery should Zimmerman experience any pain as he attempts to hit. A decision likely needs to be made within the next two weeks to ensure the 23-year-old is fully healed for the start of spring training.

Injury update

Ryan Wagner is set to begin a 30-day rehab assignment with Class A Potomac on Saturday, an important step that could help the reliever return to the Nationals' bullpen for the season's final two months. ...

Closer Chad Cordero will have his season-ending labrum surgery early next week in Los Angeles.