Zimmermann: Feel good, command an issue

DETROIT — The crowd was still settling into the seats at Comerica Park when Jordan Zimmermann delivered his first pitch since Aug. 4. Perhaps that’s why there was barely a reaction when Orioles leadoff hitter Adam Jones put the pitch into the Tigers’ bullpen beyond the left-field fence.

Zimmermann’s night didn’t get any better from there. By the time he threw his 42nd and final pitch of the evening, ball four to Jones with nobody out in the next inning, the crowd was restless, Zimmermann was embarrassed, and the Tigers were on their way to an 11-3 loss to the Orioles on Saturday night that knocked the Tigers out of the second American League Wild Card spot.

For the second time in five weeks, Zimmermann returned from the disabled list with a disastrous outing and a second-inning exit. Last time, he went back on the DL and admitted he probably came back too soon. This time, he’s insisting the right neck strain that essentially cost him over two months feels healthy.

“I feel good. I feel like I’m back to my old self,” Zimmermann said. “I just wasn’t able to locate pitches. It’s pretty embarrassing going out there and going one-plus innings, and giving up six runs.”

For the Tigers, it has to be more nerve-wracking than embarrassing. Zimmermann’s return has been a significant part of their late-season plans, from their decision to stand …

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