Denorfia returns from DL, Szczur sent down

WASHINGTON -- The Cubs reinstated outfielder Chris Denorifa off the 15-day disabled list Sunday, and he was in the starting lineup for the series finale vs. Jordan Zimmermann and the Nationals, playing right field and hitting seventh.

Outfielder Matt Szczur was optioned to Triple-A Iowa to make room.

The 34-year-old Denorfia had been out since straining his left hamstring on May 5 against the Cardinals. He was batting .429 on the season in 21 at-bats at the time of the injury.

"I loved him in Spring Training," manager Joe Maddon said. "I thought he played really well. In the limited time we've had him here, he's been very impactful. And even coming off the bench, this guy can hit velocity."