Ian Desmond out of lineup

The injury bug has hit the Washington Nationals again. This time it is too another significant piece of the Nats success, All Star Ss Ian Desmond. Desmond was held out of his first All Star Game because of a sore left oblique muscle.

Desmond will be held out of the lineup today because of his sore oblique. It was evident last night when Desmond bunted in the ninth inning. The question that remains is the extent of Desmond's absence. The Nats are not clarifying any time table for Desmond's return.

With Desmond out, 2B Danny Espinosa will move to shortstop and Steve Lombradozzi will play second base.

Desmond's success at the plate has been a critical part of the Nats 2012 success. He has batted .287 and leads the Nats with 17 home runs. He has also driven in 52 runs. His offense will surely be missed and the Nats can only hope he recovers quickly.