CLEVELAND — The Washington Nationals have reinstated first baseman Ryan Zimmerman from the disabled list after he missed 13 games because of a strained left rib cage.
Zimmerman recently completed a rehab assignment at Single-A Potomac, where he batted .417 (5 for 12) with a homer and five RBIs. Zimmerman was batting only .221 with 12 homers and 38 RBIs for Washington when he got hurt.
Although he hasn’t hit for a high average, the 31-year-old Zimmerman has been clutch — 12 of his RBIs have given the Nationals the lead or been game-winners.
He’s batting seventh and playing first in Tuesday’s game against the Indians.
Also, the team reinstated left-hander Sammy Solis, who was sidelined 13 games because of an inflamed right knee. The 27-year-old has a 2.43 ERA in 25 games for Washington.
To make roster space for Zimmerman and Solis, the NL East-leading Nationals optioned outfielder Michael A. Taylor and right-hander Lucas Giolito to Triple-A Syracuse.
