Desmond starts and Bernadina replaces Ankiel

By Byron Kerr

Nationals

June 14, 2011, 3:01pm

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Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond will go tonight but center fielder Roger Bernadina did not start. However, Rick Ankiel left the game in the second inning, Bernadina pinch hit and took over in center. We are awaiting word on the reason for Ankiel leaving the game. Nationals manager Jim Riggleman said they are going to watch Desmond carefully tonight to see how his sore left thigh reacts. "Desmond has had two days off now," Riggleman said. "I am sure he feels a little better. But I think it is something that he has just been able to play through and continue to play through. If he can't play through it then we will shut him down." Riggleman said pregame that Roger Bernadina could play tonight but they will also be careful with him. He has been out with a tight left hamstring. That all changed in the second inning. After Ankiel left the game, Bernadina smacked a clean base hit and looked fine rounding first base.