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Zimmerman ready to return when Nationals visit Giants

Jul 22, 2008 - 10:14 AM Washington (38-61) at San Francisco (40-58) 10:15 p.m. EDT

SAN FRANCISCO (Ticker) -- The Washington Nationals are suddenly surging on offense and the lineup is about to get a boost on Tuesday.

Ryan Zimmerman is expected to be activated from the disabled list before the Nationals face the San Francisco Giants.

Washington scored 29 runs en route to winning two of three against the Atlanta Braves over the weekend. A former member of the Braves, Willie Harris, who was named National League Player of the Week on Monday, homered and had five RBI during the Nationals' 15-6 romp on Sunday.

Harris and the rest of the lineup get some more support with the return of Zimmerman, who led the Nationals with eight home runs and 27 RBI before going on the 15-day DL June 3 with a small labral tear in his left shoulder.

"Big addition for our club," said manager Manny Acta, whose team has gone 16-32 without Zimmerman. "He's our leader on the field and our legit threat in the lineup."

Zimmerman's return will be a welcomed sight for starter Jason Bergmann (1-6, 4.03 ERA). The 26-year-old righthander received seven runs of support while going 0-5 in nine starts during Zimmerman's absence.

Barry Zito (4-12, 5.62) counters for the Giants, seeking his third win in his last five starts. Zito, who is tied with two others for the NL lead with 60 walks, allowed three runs - two earned - and four hits in five innings during his last outing, but walked six. He did not factor in the decision as San Francisco suffered a 7-3 loss to the New York Mets.