Ian Desmond Injury: Updates on Washington Nationals SS's Back and Return

Updates from Thursday, Sept. 11

Mark Zuckerman of CSN Mid-Atlantic reported on Ian Desmond's return to the Nationals' lineup:

"

#Nats at #Mets RHP Colon: Span CF, Rendon 3B, Werth RF, LaRoche 1B, Desmond SS, Harper LF, Ramos C, Cabrera 2B, Roark P.

— Mark Zuckerman (@ZuckermanCSN) September 11, 2014"

Updates from Wednesday, Sept. 10

James Wagner of the Washington Post updated Ian Desmond's status for Wednesday's game:

Dan Kolko of MASN had more on Desmond's status:

"

Rendon's dealing with a cold, so he'll get the day off. Desmond's back is improved - texted MW saying he could play - but will also rest.

— Dan Kolko (@masnKolko) September 10, 2014"

Original Text

Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond exited Tuesday night's 6-4 win over the Atlanta Braves after the fifth inning with what's currently being described as back tightness.

Desmond, 28, told reporters he was dealing with the issue before the game and does not anticipate being in the lineup on Wednesday, per James Wagner of the Washington Post:

Danny Espinosa entered at shortstop for the last four innings and will likely be the interim starter. Desmond went 1-for-3 before exiting Tuesday, hitting an RBI single in the first inning and scoring a run as the Nationals raced out to an early 5-0 lead.

The back injury became more apparent as the game went along. Desmond committed a throwing error in the fourth inning and struck out wildly in his next two at-bats.

After fanning in the bottom of the fourth and playing the fifth inning in discomfort, he was removed from the game.

Manager Matt Williams indicated he does not expect the issue to linger very long:

"

#Nats Mgr M Williams said Ian Desmond was removed from tonight's game w a little low back tightness."Don't anticipate it being a big issue."

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) September 10, 2014"

Washington's win extended its advantage to nine games over Atlanta. Regardless of Desmond's prognosis, the Nationals should run away with their second National League East title in three seasons.

The two-time Silver Slugger is batting .248/.303/.415 with 22 home runs and 83 RBI thus far. He's also added 18 stolen bases.

Follow Tyler Conway on Twitter @tylerconway22.