Desmond sits, Espinosa in (with lineups)

By Josh Land

Nationals

June 11, 2015, 1:53pm

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After starting in all 59 of the Nationals' games this season, Ian Desmond is out of the lineup tonight. Danny Espinosa, who has been swinging a hot stick, starts at shortstop in place of Desmond.

Desmond has struggled at the plate where he is just 5-for-43 (.116) in his last 11 games. Meanwhile, Espinosa is batting .313 (10-for-36) over the same stretch, which also includes two homers and three doubles.

With Ryan Zimmerman heading to the 15-day disabled list earlier today, Williams has opted to go with Clint Robinson at first base tonight. It is Robinson's first start this season at his natural position after appearing mostly as a left fielder or pinch-hitter. Robinson is slashing .239/.292/.313 with three doubles and a triple in 67 at-bats this year. He is still looking for his first career major league homer.

Brewers right-hander Matt Garza brings a 5-7 record and an uncharacteristically high 5.09 ERA into this evening's start against the Nats. But the 10-year veteran has been much better as of late, allowing just one earned run in 12 innings over his last two outings.

For the Nationals:

CF Denard Span
2B Anthony Rendon
3B Yunel Escobar
RF Bryce Harper
C Wilson Ramos
SS Danny Espinosa
1B Clint Robinson
LF Michael A. Taylor
RHP Tanner Roark

For the Brewers:

C Jonathan Lucroy
CF Gerardo Parra
RF Ryan Braun
1B Adam Lind
3B Aramis Ramirez
LF Shane Peterson
SS Jean Segura
2B Scooter Gennett
RHP Matt Garza