February 10, 2012

Johnson believes in Desmond's ability

Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond continues to struggle at the plate. Entering Saturday's action against the Braves, Desmond was hitting .224 with five home runs and 19 RBIs.

Desmond's defense nearly flawless

Desmond's defense nearly flawless

Desmond's hit lifts Nationals over Braves

Ian Desmond's two-run single in the bottom of the seventh inning helped the Nationals defeat the Braves, 4-2, at Nationals Park on Sunday afternoon.

Desmond's days batting eighth are over

Looking to get more offense at the top of the lineup, manager Jim Riggleman had shortstop Ian Desmond hit second instead of eighth in the order on Tuesday against the Reds.

Riggleman, Rizzo in Desmond's corner

Though Ian Desmond, who committed a costly error in the series opener against the Braves, was on the bench for the second time in three games on Tuesday night, both general manager Mike Rizzo and manager Jim Riggleman remain firmly in the rookie shortstop's corner.