He's 0-2 with a 9.12 ERA in five career matchups with the Cardinals, easily his worst showing against any opponent.
St. Louis tagged Zimmermann for a career-high eight runs over a season-low 3 2/3 innings Sept. 1 in Washington, although the right-hander was better at Busch Stadium in his final regular-season start Sept. 29, allowing three runs over 6 1/3 innings in the Nationals' 6-4, 10-inning victory.
The hitters on the Cardinals' playoff roster are a combined 26 for 69 (.377) against him with Yadier Molina going 5 for 11.
"It's going to be tough to shut them completely down," Zimmermann told the Nationals' official website. "They are going to get their runs, but you've just got to keep it to a minimum and try to get out of jams as best you can when you're in a tight spot."