Jordan Zimmermann: NL's Most Dominant Pitcher Since the All-Star Break?

With all the talk surrounding Stephen Strasburg being shut down for the Washington Nationals, baseball fans have seemingly been oblivious to the masterful pitching his teammate, Jordan Zimmermann, has been dealing out since the All-Star break.

In seven starts, Zimmermann is 4-1 with an impressive 1.77 ERA. 

Only Atlanta's Paul Maholm and the Dodgers's Chad Billingsley have lower ERAs since the break.That said, Zimmermann has pitched in one more game than either other man.

Zimmermann has added 40 strikeouts, which is tied for eighth in baseball since the break. Prior to his loss against the Giants earlier this week, Zim had racked up six consecutive wins. Of his 24 starts this season, 22 have been quality starts.

In addition to his 1.77 ERA since the break, Zimmermann leads the National League in ERA on the season, with his 2.38, adding a very competitive 1.068 WHIP.

Over the last 30 days, Zim's 1.77 ERA leads all Nationals starters, as does his 1.01 WHIP. For those concerned with the loss of production from Strasburg, this should serve as a helping of comfort food.

Prior to the All-Star break Zimmermann was third in WHIP among Nats starters, with a 1.12 WHIP, while posting a team-best 2.61 ERA.

Yes, obviously Strasburg is ace of the staff, but Zimmermann has proved his worth as a dependable front-of-the-rotation starter. In his last seven starts, Zimmermann has only allowed one home run in 40.2 innings pitched. In as much time he has only allowed 35 hits.

Simply put, he is not allowing teams to score against the Nationals.

Coupling his efforts through the second half of the season with the work being put forth by Gio Gonzalez and Edwin Jackson, the Nationals have quite the formidable rotation heading into the playoffs.

Has Jordan Zimmermann been the most dominant pitcher in the NL since the break?

That's up for debate.

What is not debatable: He's been the best pitcher in Washington in as much time.

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