Ian Desmond sits as struggles continue

For the second time in the last week, Ian Desmond is out of the starting lineup for the Nationals. Desmond has struggled at the plate for most of the season. In 17 games this month, Desmond is hitting only .143 (9-for-63) with one homer and three RBIs.

Before tonight's game, manager Matt Williams discussed what he's looking for Desmond to accomplish during the day off.

"I hope he rests," Williams said. "The last day off, he refused to rest. He took extra batting practice, back to the grind. I want him to rest. Take a blow. He's been an everyday player for a long, long time. And things have not been good so far for him this season. There is a bunch of baseball left, so I want him to relax and freshen up a little bit and get back at it. That's what I hope for him. It's difficult to do that with him because he's a worker. I just hope he takes it easy for today and clears out. Let it clear and get back to work."

Last Friday, Desmond actually entered the game in the ninth inning as a pinch-hitter and knocked a single in the Nats' 6-5 loss to the Brewers. But another dreadful 0-for-16 slump with 11 strikeouts followed.

In the field, Desmond has been abysmal at times. His 15 errors are the most in the National League and second-worst in all of baseball.

Questions surround Desmond's struggles this season. After spending his entire professional career in the Nationals/Expos organization, the 29-year-old is due to become a free agent after this season. An educated assumption is that the pressure of his unclear future is interfering with his play on the field. He reportedly turned down a seven-year, $100 million contract extension before last season.

"There's a lot going on," Williams said. "But he is ready to play every single day and eager to play, and goes out there with a good attitude every time he takes the field. When things aren't going the way you want them to, sometimes it's good just to hang out, get a day, relax and not do much. Get some good treatment, get a nice lift in, whatever he needs to do. And then get back to work. This game, over the course of 162, is a grind. I know it's a cliche, but it's really true. When you're' an everyday player and are trying to fight through something, sometimes it's good to have a day."

Desmond won the Silver Slugger Award the past three seasons after slashing .275/.326/.462 with 69 homers and 244 RBIs in 442 games. Those numbers have plummeted across the board for Desmond during this disappointing campaign.

"We have to understand that, one, he needs a day," Williams said. "If it turns into two, then it turns into two. He needs some rest. He's playing a demanding position every day. If that's the case, then that will be the case. He understands what's going on and that he needs to get a day off. We'll see where we go from there."

Danny Espinosa starts at shortstop in place of Desmond tonight and maybe tomorrow, too. Espinosa's bat has been surprisingly hot and consistent this season. He's batting .267 with 19 RBIs and his eight homers are second-most on the Nats. Espinosa is widely considered the Nationals' best infielder and shortstop is his natural position.