PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Washington Nationals activated third baseman Ryan Zimmerman from the 15-day disabled list on Friday and he was in the starting lineup in the weekend series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Rookie third baseman Anthon Rendon was optioned to Double-A Harrisburg of the Eastern League.
Zimmerman had been on the disabled list since April 18 with a strained left hamstring and the Nationals were 6-8 in his absence.
He played in one game for high Class A Potomac on an injury rehabilitation assignment, going 0 for 3 on Wednesday against Carolina.
Zimmerman went into Friday’ game with a .226 batting average, 61 points below his .287 career mark. He had one home run in 15 games but his 11 RBIs were tied with Bryce Harper for the team lead.
