Ian Desmond

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Washington Nationals SS Ian Desmond (20) is greeted at the plate by teammate Ryan Zimmerman after hitting a three-run home run in the first inning of the Nationals' game against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. (Rod Lamkey Jr./The Washington Times)

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Danny Espinosa has made a smooth transition to shortstop in Ian Desmond's absence. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

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Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond had three hits in the team's 8-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday in Game 3 of the National League Division Series. (Associated Press)

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Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond entered the game against the Mets in the eighth inning, going 1-1 with a run and an intentional walk. (Associated Press)

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Washington Nationals SS Ian Desmond celebrates July 17, 2012, after scoring in the bottom of the ninth inning of the Nationals' 5-4, 10-inning win against the New York Mets at Nationals Park in Washington. (Ryan M.L. Young/The Washington Times)

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Washington Nationals' Ian Desmond runs to first on an RBI single in the first inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins in Miami, Friday, July 13, 2012. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

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Ian Desmond waits in the on deck circle during the Nationals game against the Colorado Rockies. (Ryan M.L. Young/The Washington Times)

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Nationals Ian Desmond is greeted by team mates in the dugout after his two-run home run. (Rod Lamkey Jr./The Washington Times)

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Ian Desmond (20) is congratulated by Adam LaRoche after hitting a home run. (Ryan M.L. Young/The Washington Times)

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Nationals Ian Desmond (20) is safe stealing second base as Rockies Jonathan Herrera bobles the ball in the bottom of the second inning. (Rod Lamkey Jr./The Washington Times)

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Nationals Ian Desmond (20) is safe stealing second base as Rockies Jonathan Herrerabobles the ball in the bottom of the second inning as the Washington Nationals host the Colorado Rockies at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., Sunday, July 8, 2012. (Rod Lamkey Jr./The Washington Times)