Nationals reinstate 1B/OF Tyler Moore and recall RHP A.J. Cole

The Washington Nationals returned from rehab and reinstated first baseman/outfielder Tyler Moore from the 15-day disabled list on Thursday, and recalled right-handed pitcher A.J. Cole from Triple-A Syracuse. President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements.

Moore, 28, returns to the Nationals after missing 14 games with a left ankle sprain. In six minor league rehab games with Single-A Potomac and Triple-A Syracuse Moore went 5-for-22 (.227) with a home run, two doubles, two walks and three RBI.

In 79 games with the Nationals, largely off the bench, Moore has hit .200 with 10 doubles, four home runs, 10 walks and 22 RBI. Moore's four pinch hits are tied for second on the Nationals.

Cole, 23, rejoins the Nationals for his third Major League stint of the season. In three games with Washington this year (one start), Cole is 0-0 with a 5.79 ERA. In two appearances out of the Nationals' bullpen, however, Cole has allowed just two earned runs over 7.1 innings (2.45 ERA) and held opponents to a .185 batting average against in that span.

The well-regarded right-hander is 5-6 with a 3.15 ERA in 21 starts for Triple-A Syracuse this season. Cole has held minor league opponents to a .227 average against and struck out 76 batters while walking 34 (2.35 K/BB).