The third time’s the charm. Yesterday, Jordan Zimmermann was named National League’s July pitcher of the month, joining Stephen Strasburg (who won in April) and Gio Gonzalez (who won in May).

The Nationals are the first team to have three different pitchers recognized since the 1979 Astros.

During the month of July Zimmermann’s gone 4-0 in six starts with a .97 ERA and led the Nationals pitching with the lowest ERA at 2.28 with the most innings pitched (134 1/3).

Teammate Ryan Zimmerman put together an impressive campaign for NL’s player of the month, but was beat by Pittsburgh’s Andrew McCutchen.

In case you missed it…

• It’s Werthmas! Jayson Werth made his triumphant return from his broken wrist yesterday. And against his old ballclub, no less. The outfielder hit a single and drove in a run in his return.
• With Werth’s return, Henry Rodriguez is headed to the DL (again) with a lower back issue.
• Ross Detwiler helped the Nationals salvage a game last night by shutting down the Phillies.