It is a night Washington Nationals fans have been waiting for a long time. For more than two months the Nationals have been without their All-Star, Gold Glove third baseman Ryan Zimmerman. Zimmerman has not played since April 9th due to a torn abdominal muscle and had to go in for surgery in early May to repair the damage. On Tuesday night the "Face of the Franchise" returns to his corner infield position at Nationals Park against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Zimmerman's presence on the field should put fans into a jubilant mood and boost confidence in the Nationals clubhouse, including pitcher Yunesky Maya (0-1, 5.40 ERA) who will be heading to the mound to face the Cardinals Jaime Garcia (6-2, 3.20 ERA). Not a high strike out pitcher, Maya should feel confident at least the left side of the infield is covered by arguably the best third baseman in the league. It might take a little bit for Zimmerman to find his groove again, but a decent Zimmerman is better than no Zimmerman at all.
Manager Jim Riggleman continues to bat right fielder Jayson Werth in lead-off while batting the pitcher eighth. Zimmerman will bat in his usual position in the line-up, third, while Michael Morse will bat clean-up.
To make room for Zimmerman coming off the DL, the Nationals returned pitcher Craig Stammen to Syracuse.
Nationals Line-Up
Jayson Werth - RF
Ian Desmond - SS
Ryan Zimmerman - 3B
Michael Morse - 1B
Danny Espinosa - 2B
Wilson Ramos - C
Rick Ankiel - CF
Yunesky Maya - P
Jerry Hairston Jr. - LF