Bryce Harper Will Hit Second as Ryan Zimmerman and Adam LaRoche Return to Lineup

Bryce Harper has hit seventh and third in the order since being called up just over a week ago, and now he'll get to add another spot in the order to his resume.

With Ryan Zimmerman and Adam LaRoche returning tonight from injuries, Harper will hit second in the order behind Ian Desmond. He will be followed by Zimmerman and LaRoche, respectively.

LaRoche was never placed on the disabled list, so he will just return to his spot in the lineup.

Zimmerman, who was on the 15-day DL, had to be reinstated. In a corresponding move, Jayson Werth was placed on the 15-day DL with a broken left wrist.

Adam Kilgore of The Washington Post was curious as to where Zimmerman would hit in the lineup, as it had been producing pretty well with Harper in the No. 3 slot.

While manager Davey Johnson chose this lineup for Tuesday's game, he could have easily switched it up.

Harper definitely gives Johnson some flexibility with the lineup card, as he has shown the ability to hit anywhere in the lineup.

When he starts hitting for power, he will have to be in the middle part of the lineup, but he has the ability to hit second or in the lower third of the lineup.

This depth and flexibility will prove to be invaluable to the Nationals as the season progresses.