Nationals activate Ian Desmond from DL; designate Cesar Izturis for assignment

The Washington Nationals announced Friday that shortstop Ian Desmond has been activated from the disabled list. As a corresponding move, Cesar Izturis has been designated for assignment.

By Matt Snyder

Aug 17, 2012 at 3:35 pm ET • 1 min read

The rich get richer. (Getty Images)

The Washington Nationals announced Friday that shortstop Ian Desmond has been activated from the disabled list. As a corresponding move, Cesar Izturis has been designated for assignment.

Desmond, 26, is hitting .286/.322/.503 with 17 homers, 53 RBI, 51 runs and 24 doubles in 89 games this season. He made the All-Star team for the first time in his career.

Desmond has been on the shelf since July 21 with an oblique injury. Danny Espinosa has been the primary fill-in at short with Desmond injured, while Steve Lombardozzi has handled second-base duties. Expect Espinosa to slide back to second and Lombardozzi to become a utility backup once again.

Washington enters Friday night with the best record in baseball, at 73-45.

Izturis, 32, played only five games with Washington. He was 2-for-4 with a double, so it's not like he underperformed in his small sample. It's just that the Nats don't have room for him anymore.

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