Nationals reinstate first baseman Ryan Zimmerman and left-hander Sammy Solis

The Washington Nationals returned from rehab assignment and reinstated first baseman Ryan Zimmerman and left-handed pitcher Sammy Solis on Tuesday. Outfielder Michael A. Taylor and right-hander Lucas Giolito were optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday. Nationals president of baseball operations and general manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Zimmerman, 31, returns to the Nationals' active roster after missing 13 games with a left rib cage strain. The veteran first baseman hit .417 in three rehab games with Single-A Potomac last week, going 5-for-12 (.417) with a home run, a double, five RBIs and four runs scored.

Zimmerman is hitting .221 this season in the major leagues, with 26 extra-base hits in 74 games (12 home runs, 13 doubles, one triple). Twelve of his 38 RBIs have put the Nationals ahead and seven have stood up as game-winners.

Solis, 27, has posted a 2.43 ERA (9 ER/29.2 IP) while going 1-3 in 25 games this season. He returns to the Nationals' active roster after missing 13 games with right knee inflammation. He appeared in two rehab games (2.0 IP) between Single-A Potomac and Single-A Hagerstown.

Taylor, 25, is hitting .222 with 10 doubles, seven homers, 14 RBIs, 12 stolen bases, 14 walks and 27 runs scored in 66 games. He has hit safely in 22 of his last 27 starts, including an 18-game hitting streak as a starter from May 3 to June 20.

Giolito, 22, was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse on June 24 to make his third career start that day against the San Diego Padres. In three major league starts this season, Giolito has posted a 4.91 ERA (8 ER/11.0 IP) and has not earned a decision.