Washington, DC (SportsNetwork.com) - The Washington Nationals reinstated third baseman Ryan Zimmerman from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday.

Zimmerman, 29, returns to the Nationals after missing 44 games due to a right thumb fracture, suffered April 12 at Atlanta. Prior to his sting on the DL, he was batting .364 with two home runs and six RBI in 33 at-bats for Washington.

He will start for the Nationals on Tuesday night, playing left field for the first time in his major league career.

To make room on the roster, the Nats optioned first baseman/outfielder Tyler Moore to Triple-A Syracuse. Moore was hitting .214 with three homers and 11 RBI in 34 games this season with Washington.