Tag Archives: Ian Desmond injury

Nationals notes

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After taking the first two of a three-game series, the Washington Nationals dropped the finale last night to the Atlanta Braves. Their lead in the National League East was cut to six games and their league leading record now stands at 77-47.

The good news for the Nationals, however, is two-fold. Not only will they see the Braves just three more times in the regular season, which will force the Braves to rely on sub-.500 teams to assist them in closing the gap in the NL East,  they will enjoy what to them must seem like a foreign concept – a day off.

Since the All-Star break, the Nationals have had just two off-days prior to today. Their post All-Star break schedule has been a grueling one indeed, and included a stretch during which the Nationals played 35 games in 34 days. After a short day of rest, the team will be off to Philadelphia, where they will begin a three-game series with the Phillies.

For now, here is a look at some of the stories from yesterday that you may have missed amidst the excitement of a potential series sweep. Continue reading →

The odd man out

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After sitting out for 25 games since being placed on the 15-day disabled list with a torn left oblique on July 23 (retroactive to July 22), All-Star shortstop Ian Desmond is primed to make his return to the Washington Nationals’ lineup. Desmond, who resumed his full pregame workouts on Monday, is expected to be activated tomorrow for the start of a three-game series with the New York Mets.

Though the Nationals managed to post a 19-6 record in his absence, it would probably be pretty accurate to assume that not a single person – player, fan or otherwise – is less than ecstatic about his return. After all, in 89 games this season, Desmond has posted a .286/.322/.502 line with 24 doubles, 17 home runs and 53 RBIs.

Desmond’s return, however, necessitates a roster move that will likely send one of either Steve Lombardozzi or Tyler Moore to the Syracuse Chiefs for the next two weeks before an expanded roster allows the odd man out to rejoin his teammates in Washington on September 1. Continue reading →

Nationals notes

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Twelve wins in 14 tries was just not in the cards for the Washington Nationals, who dropped the second of a three-game series last night to young right-hander Madison Bumgarner and the San Francisco Giants, bringing their road trip record to 7-2 before this afternoon’s finale. Nationals’ starter Jordan Zimmermann, arguably the team’s strongest pitcher this season, lasted just 5.2 innings after giving up two runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out four. He appeared to have trouble locating his pitches and was unable to get decent movement on a slider that opposing hitters refused to chase. No matter, as Bumgarner was nearly untouchable, tossing his second complete game of the season and yielding a single run on five hits and a walk while striking out five for his 13th win.

The Nationals will have to put the loss behind them as they send Stephen Strasburg to the mound this afternoon and look to take the rubber match of the series before heading to Washington for a six-game home stand. Until then, here are a few of the many exciting stories that broke yesterday – starting with the biggest news. Continue reading →

Desmond progressing nicely, ready to take batting practice

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August 6 marked Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond‘s first baseball-related activities since being placed on the 15-day disabled list on July 22 with a torn left oblique. Prior to the series opener with the Houston Astros, Desmond took to the field to take ground balls at short and begin throwing.

Though he was not expected to begin hitting for another one to two weeks, William Ladson is reporting that Desmond will be taking batting practice before tonight’s game with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Positive Mental Natitude will have more on the story as it develops.

Desmond takes the next step on the road to recovery

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Yesterday, the Washington Nationals’ All-Star shortstop Ian Desmond took the next step in his recovery from a torn left oblique, fielding ground balls and making throws prior to the team’s four-game series opener in Houston.

Ian Desmond

Byron Kerr — MASN Sports

The injury, which has troubled Desmond since before the All-Star break and forced him to use the break as a resting period rather than a celebration, landed him on the 15-day disabled list on July 22 and has forced him to miss 19 games thus far.

Prior to the injury, Desmond posted a .286/.322/.503 line with 24 doubles, 17 home runs and 53 RBIs while leading the team in most offensive categories.

Despite his absence from the field, Desmond’s presence in the clubhouse and the dugout on both home and road trips has served as a boost for a team that lost its on-the-field leader for an unspecified amount of time.

Though Desmond has been running the past week, yesterday’s workout marked his first baseball-related activity since being placed on the disabled list.

When asked how he feels, Desmond reported that he feels good. Manager Davey Johnson, however, remains cautiously optimistic.

“I don’t really know how to treat obliques, but I’m going to treat it like I would a hamstring, and that’s very cautiously,” Johnson said. “You don’t rush him back, because if you re-injure him, it’s double the time. I think it’s good that he’s doing some things, especially aerobically…It gives him a chance to let his body heal.”

Regardless of his progress, Desmond’s timetable for return will not be changed and he is not expected to begin hitting for nearly two weeks.