Zimmerman, Ramos to return from DL soon

WASHINGTON -- Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman and catcher Wilson Ramos hope to be activated by the Nationals sometime next week.

Zimmerman informed manager Davey Johnson on Friday that he is feeling much better, but he will not travel with the team to Atlanta. Instead, Zimmerman will attempt to play in a rehab assignment early next week. The team has yet to determine where Zimmerman will be assigned.

Zimmerman, who is on the disabled list because of a left hamstring strain, is hoping to be activated by the time the team opens a series with the Pirates on Friday.

Once Zimmerman returns to action, the Nationals will likely send third baseman Anthony Rendon back to Double-A Harrisburg.

As for Ramos, he is currently on a rehab assignment at Harrisburg and should be activated by Monday when the Nationals play the Braves. He, too, is on the DL as a result of a left hamstring injury. Ramos will return to the team on Sunday.