Ex-Orioles lefty back on the market after Cardinals' All-Star break roster shuffle

For former Orioles pitcher Bruce Zimmerman, his ability to roll with the punches has kept his professional baseball dream alive for years. Not literal punches, just the kind of gut punch that comes in the form of a pink slip. After being designated for assignment by the St. Louis Cardinals on July 7, Zimmerman was outrighted to Triple-A. Instead of heading back to Memphis, the LHP decided to test the free agent market on Wednesday.    

The 31-year-old was added to the Cardinals' big league roster just to work as an innings-eater during their recent doubleheader matchup with the Milwaukee Brewers. Coming in as the bulk reliever, Zimmerman gave the Cardinals exactly what they needed; he gave their pitching staff some breathing room. And he did a solid job while doing so. In five innings of work, the lefty surrendered just three runs off six hits. Although he notched just two strikeouts, he only gave out one free pass to the Brew Crew in the 4-3 loss.    

Former Orioles' pitcher Bruce Zimmermann is on the move again

The appearance was his first MLB game since a September 23 outing with the Brewers last year. Much like this past week, Zimmerman was promptly designated for assignment following that late-season game. But this isn’t exactly a new experience for the borderline journeyman pitcher, who has been optioned, DFA’d, or released more times than he can probably remember. Which is exactly why he may be considered to be something of a commodity on the free agent market.  

If you’re a left-handed pitcher and still have good enough stuff to get the occasional out, then MLB teams will always keep you on their radar. Bonus points if you’re willing to make the most out of your frequent flyer miles. Zimmerman may boast a career ERA of 5.63, but he is the type of pitcher that every ball club could benefit from having around. Like his time with the Orioles, he keeps his head down, throws as many innings as his team asks of him, then happily goes on his way when his time comes. 

After electing free agency, Zimmerman will likely have a handful of suitors hitting up his phone, including the Cardinals. Whether or not those suitors can promise him a spot in the big leagues this season remains a question. He could sign with an injury-riddled team looking for pitching depth and an arm that will give them innings. The Orioles could fit this exact scenario. In four seasons with Baltimore, Zimmerman offered the team length as they navigated their rebuilding years. His WHIP of 1.459 and 7.2 strikeouts per nine over those four seasons weren't exactly awe-inspiring, but he earned the respect of the fanbase and became a hometown hero.   

In a similar role, Zimmerman may also latch on with a guaranteed postseason contender. This could mean a team like the Dodgers, who may look for a way to give their pitchers a rest down the stretch once they’ve clinched a playoff berth. Regardless of his landing spot, you shouldn't be surprised to see Zimmerman on an MLB mound sometime soon.    

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