Nats reinstate Zimmerman, return Turner to Triple-A


The Washington Nationals reinstated first baseman Ryan Zimmerman from the paternity list on Monday.

In a corresponding move, the Nationals sent one of their top prospects, infielder Trea Turner, back to Triple-A Syracuse.

Zimmerman’s wife, Heather, gave birth to their second child on Thursday.

Zimmerman is hitting .250 with eight home runs and 26 RBIs in 48 games this season.

Turner started at second base and moved to shortstop — going 3-for-3 with a double and walk — on Friday night in his first call-up this season. He also served as pinch runner on Saturday.

The Nationals made it clear from the start of the weekend that Turner’s stay was going to be brief.

“Unless Zimmerman has another baby in the meantime,” manager Dusty Baker joked.

The 22-year-old Turner is hitting .310 with 17 stolen bases at Triple-A.

“It’s everywhere. It’s hard not to see it,” Turner said of the speculation of being called up. “But you can’t think about that (or) I’m going to go out there and play pretty bad. You have to play defense for the pitchers. It’s a team game. If you’re not ready mentally, it can hurt your team just as much physically.”