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According to both the Washington Post's Adam Kilgore and MLB.com's Bill Ladson, the oblique injury which landed Ian Desmond on the DL has the Washington Nationals interested in a backup infielder that could fill in occasionally since right now it's Steve Lombardozzi, Danny Espinosa and Mark DeRosa available in the middle infield until Desmond returns. MLB.com's Mr. Ladson (@washingnats) wrote on Twitter this morning that they're looking for a utility infielder:
With the injury to Ian Desmond, the #Nats are looking for a utility infielder to spell Danny Espinosa. #MLB
— William Ladson (@washingnats) July 24, 2012
The Washington Post's Mr. Kilgore wrote in a Nationals Journal article this afternoon entitled, "Source: Nationals’ top trade deadline concern is improving middle infield depth", that with Desmond out for at least a month, the Nationals have reportedly, "... discussed a list of 15-20 names in the mold of Marco Scutaro, Nick Punto and Jamey Carroll. The list also includes players at Class AAA who would be improvements over the Nationals’ infielders at Class AAA Syracuse."
As for the current infield, Danny Espinosa made an appearance on ESPN980 this afternoon and talked to hosts Thom Loverro and Kevin Sheehan about moving back over to short and working with his new double play partner, Steve Lombardozzi. "We actually haven't had a whole bunch of time to work together," Espinosa explained, "Just because this last week when Ian's been out we haven't been able to get outside for batting practice and ground balls because of the weather and doubleheaders."
"Steve and I have talked about what we like or as far as where we want double play feeds and positioning," Espinosa explained, "So, I know we talk throughout the game when we're moving just as Ian and I would talk through the games if we're playing a guy a couple steps to the left or right. We do the same thing [with Lombardozzi]. So I feel that we're on the same page."