Nationals' Zimmerman sidelined with plantar fasciitis

The season for oft-injured Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman has gotten off on the wrong foot.

Manager Dusty Baker told reporters Sunday he hopes he can get Zimmerman into games in the next few weeks as he deals with plantar fasciitis. While the Nationals plan to take things slow with the two-time Silver Slugger winner, Zimmerman has been able to work out as he deals with the ailment.

The 31-year-old missed 49 games last season due to the same injury.

One of the team's best players when healthy, Zimmerman has been slowed by injuries throughout his career, and missed 168 games over the past two years. Since 2011, he's averaged 110 games per season.

If Zimmerman isn't healthy come Opening Day, Tyler Moore and Clint Robinson represent internal options to replace him.