Shoulder injury sidelines Ryan Zimmerman

PITTSBURGH, June 12 (UPI) -- Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman has a small tear in the anterior labrum of his left shoulder and will be sidelined 4-6 weeks.

The team said on it Web site that Pittsburgh Pirates' orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tim Kremchek diagnosed the severity of Zimmerman's injury earlier this week and that he will begin a rehabilitation plan immediately, working his shoulder with a variety of exercises.

The three-year veteran has not played since May 25.

He was hurt seven days earlier during a head-first slide into second base in a game against the Baltimore Orioles.

Initially, team doctors said the shoulder sustained no structural damage, but if surgery should be needed later, Zimmerman could miss the balance of the 2008 season.

"The doctor seemed to be very optimistic that that won't be necessary," Manager Manny Acta said on the Nationals' Web site following Wednesday's 3-1 loss at Pittsburgh.