Both Desmond and Morse return to Nats lineup (with Marlins lineup)

The Nationals will get a jolt to their lineup as they look to snap a four-game losing streak tonight. Both Ian Desmond and Michael Morse will return after missing almost the entirety of the Nats' recent three-game series with the Phillies due to injuries. Desmond (strained right hamstring) technically appeared in Sunday's game when he was announced as a pinch-hitter, but that was just a ploy by manager Davey Johnson to get the Phillies to bring in a right-handed reliever. Desmond was then pinch-hit for by Chad Tracy. The Nationals' All-Star shortstop, who is hitting .282 with 19 homers and 56 RBIs this season, has not seen legitimate game action since hyperextending his knee late in last Wednesday's game against the Braves. The hyperextension caused a stretch in Desmond's hamstring, the Nats believe, which has held him out of action until today. Morse (bruised right hand) was hit by a pitch in the first inning of Friday's game against the Phillies and was given the rest of the series off. The left fielder, who is batting .286 with 12 home runs and 45 RBIs in 73 games this season, is back in the Nats lineup, hitting fifth tonight. For the Nats: RF Jayson Werth CF Bryce Harper 3B Ryan Zimmerman 1B Adam LaRoche LF Michael Morse SS Ian Desmond 2B Danny Espinosa C Kurt Suzuki P Stephen Strasburg For the Marlins: LF Bryan Petersen CF Justin Ruggiano SS Jose Reyes 1B Carlos Lee RF Giancarlo Stanton 3B Greg Dobbs 2B Donovan Solano C Rob Brantly P Ricky Nolasco