Desmond activated, Izturis DFA

The Nationals have activated shortstop Ian Desmond from the disabled list today, a move which shouldn't surprise anyone. To make room for Desmond on the 25-man roster, the Nats have designated infielder Cesar Izturis for assignment, a move which, well, surprises me. Izturis only was with the Nationals for nine games after they claimed him off waivers from the Brewers. In that time, he was pretty productive, going 2-for-4 with a double and four runs scored in five games. With Desmond back and Danny Espinosa and Steve Lombardozzi both healthy, there isn't much need for Izturis on the roster at the moment. But given his experience and proficiency with the glove, he could've made a nice insurance policy down the stretch. The Nationals could have optioned either Lombardozzi or Tyler Moore to Triple-A for a couple weeks and then brought him back once rosters expanded on Sept. 1. That would have allowed them to keep Izturis for the playoff run. Instead, they'll keep both Lombardozzi and Moore on the active roster, rewarding the two rookies, who have both fared well this season. Desmond was expected to miss around five weeks with a tear in his left oblique, but he recovered quicker than the Nationals expected. He returns to the active roster after missing 25 games and without going on a rehab assignment. The 26-year-old took part in a simulated game yesterday but did not go out to an affiliate before being activated, which is usually the protocol for players coming off the DL. Prior to going on the disabled list on July 23, Desmond hit .286 with 17 home runs, 53 RBI, 24 doubles 15 stolen bases and 51 runs in 89 games.