Zimmerman returns as Nats face Cards to start homestand

After missing 58 games with an abdominal injury, Ryan Zimmerman is finally making his return to the Nationals lineup. To make room for him on the roster, Craig Stammen has been optioned back to Triple-A Syracuse. In his rehab starts, Zim batted .381 with three doubles, a triple and three RBI.

Here are the lineups to kick off the series against the Cardinals:

Cardinals:

Ryan Theriot – SS

Colby Rasmus – CF

Albert Pujols – 1B

Lance Berkman – LF

Yadier Molina – C

Andrew Brown – RF

Skip Schumaker – 2B

Daniel Descalso – 3B

Jaime Garcia – P

Nationals:

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 – LF

*The Nationals continue their recent trend, batting today’s starter Yunesky Maya eighth in the lineup with Jerry Hairston Jr. behind him.

*Washington hopes to continue their current hot streak this evening, having gone 6-5 on the road trip and currently riding a three-game win streak.

*Michael Morse has batted for a .250 average with a .400 on-base percentage against Jaime Garcia in their careers.