Ryan Zimmerman Becomes Sole Franchise Home Run Leader

Ryan Zimmerman went 3-for-5 with a home run, a RBI and a run scored during Monday's 6-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. In doing so, he passed Vladimir Guerrero to become the sole home run leader in Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals history with 235 dingers, per the Elias Sports Bureau.

The 32-year-old is one of only four active players currently leading their respective clubs in home runs, with the others being Ryan Braun for the Milwaukee Brewers (296), Evan Longoria for the Tampa Bay Rays (255) and Giancarlo Stanton for the Miami Marlins (236). 

Zimmerman was drafted by the Nationals with the fourth overall pick of the 2005 MLB draft. His stint with the team includes two All-Star selections, two Silver Sluggers and a Gold Glove while also slashing a respectable .281/.344/.474 for his career.

The 2017 campaign is shaping up to be the best season of Zimmerman's career (since exceeding his rookie limits in 2006). He's boasting a career-high .965 OPS and his 20 home runs are on pace to surpass the career-high 33 he smashed in 2009.

His breakout is surprising considering he struggled so mightily last season. During 2016, he played just 115 games due to frequent stints on the disabled list and ended up with a career-low .642 OPS.

Zimmerman's resurgence has assisted the already strong Washington offense. The team holds a 56-36 record—good for first place in the National League East—and leads the NL in runs scored.

Zimmerman and the Nationals will look to continue their good fortune Tuesday when the club takes on the Los Angeles Angels. Jesse Chavez, who's posted a 4.99 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in 19 appearances, is set to take the mound against them.