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By Bill Ladson / MLB.com
09/06/10 7:30 PM ET
WASHINGTON -- Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond was given the day off in Monday's 13-2 win against the Mets because of left hamstring issues. He did make a cameo as pinch-hitter, but struck out swinging to end the eighth inning.The injury is not considered serious. Instead Danny Espinosa made his first start at the position since joining the club early last week.
Desmond has had hamstring problems for several days, but managed to play until manager Jim Riggleman decided to take Desmond out of the game on Sunday against the Pirates. Desmond goes all-out when he runs the bases, but Riggleman feared the injury would get worse if he stayed in the game.
"Desi could play today, but I would like to give him a day off," Riggleman said. "If I have to use him in some capacity in the game, then I will. We'll see how it feels tomorrow. He ran real hard yesterday, and he beat out a ball to first base.
"I was a little concerned that the play was going to be so close that he was going to strain the hamstring there. So we had a little lead yesterday, and I got him out of there knowing that I was going to sit him today."
As for Espinosa, he is natural a shortstop, but is slated to be the everyday second baseman by next year.
"I'm hoping to get a good opportunity in Spring Training," Espinosa said. "I don't know what's going to happen. I just hope to get a good look, and take advantage of my opportunities and make the team."
So far, Espinosa is taking advantage of his chances, going 9-for-16 (.562) with three home run and 10 RBIs.
Harris day-to-day after hitting outfield wall
WASHINGTON -- Nationals outfielder Willie Harris left Monday's 13-3 victory over the Mets in the top of the third inning after hitting the right-field fence hard on a double by Chris Carter.
Carter led off the third inning and hit the ball over Harris' head. After he couldn't catch the ball, Harris crashed into the fence hard and was on the ground for a few minutes. He left the game for precautionary reasons and is listed as day-to-day.
Carter would later score on a single by Josh Thole.
"He was pretty dizzy. I don't know if he had a slight concussion, but he didn't feel too good out there," Nationals manager Jim Riggleman said. "That was pretty obvious while talking to him. I talked to the trainer later and he said they will check him out tomorrow. It will be day-to-day."
Morgan considering winter ball options
WASHINGTON -- Nationals center fielder Nyjer Morgan said Monday that he is thinking about playing in the Dominican Winter League after the Major League season is over.
Morgan said his decision on playing winter ball will be made after his hearing with the league office on Friday.
Morgan is appealing a combined 15-game suspension for hitting a fan with a ball at Citizens Bank Park, trying to knock down catcher Bryan Anderson even though the latter didn't have possession of the ball, using inappropriate language toward fans at Sun Life Stadium and having a physical altercation with Marlins right-hander Chris Volstad.
If he is fined and suspended, Morgan most likely will play winter ball. He may not play winter ball if the punishment is not severe.
Worth noting
Infielder Danny Espinosa said that he will play in winter ball in Puerto Rico. He will play for Ponce during the first half of the season. ... Hitting coach Rick Eckstein coached third-base on Monday. He replaced Pat Listach, who served the last of a two-game suspension for his involvement in the Nationals/Marlins melee on Wednesday. Listach will return to the coaching lines on Tuesday.
Bill Ladson is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog, All Nats All the time. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
