Desmond back in Nats lineup, Strasburg faces Hamels in Philly

Ian Desmond is back in the Nationals lineup after sitting out Friday with a bruised hand suffered when he was plunked Thursday against the Orioles. Desmond will be batting sixth while left-handed-hitting outfielder Bryce Harper starts the night on the bench against Phillies southpaw Cole Hamels. Harper has struggled since his return from the disabled list, going 5-for-35 (.143) with a double, a homer, two RBIs and 13 strikeouts. However, he has had success against Hamels, who he has faced more than any other pitcher. Harper is batting .320 (8-for-25) in his career against the Philadelphia lefty. Scott Hairston plays left in making his first start since June 15. Since then, he has appeared in just 11 games and received 12 plate appearances. He also has faced Hamels more than any other pitcher and has posted even better numbers than Harper. Hairston is a career .395 hitter (15-for-38) with five doubles, five homers and nine RBIs against Hamels. The mound match-up might draw the most attention tonight as Nats right-hander Stephen Strasburg goes up against Hamels. Strasburg has halted a stretch of iffy performances by stringing two strong starts together. He has allowed three runs in 14 2/3 innings for a 1.84 ERA over his last two outings. Hamels has a 2.87 ERA through 15 starts this season, but he's been even better over his last eight games, pitching to a 1.62 ERA. He hasn't allowed more than three runs since May 27. For the Nationals CF Denard Span 2B Anthony Rendon RF Jayson Werth 1B Adam LaRoche 3B Ryan Zimmerman SS Ian Desmond LF Scott Hairston C Wilson Ramos RHP Stephen Strasburg For the Phillies LF Grady Sizemore SS Jimmy Rollins 2B Chase Utley 1B Ryan Howard RF Marlon Byrd 3B Cody Asche C Cameron Rupp CF Ben Revere LHP Cole Hamels