Washington Nationals

After starting the first 43 games, Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond finally received a breather Sunday at San Diego, replaced in the starting lineup by Danny Espinosa. Since homering in back-to-back games May 10-11, Desmond is in a 2-for-24 slump (.083) in his last seven games.

Desmond's batting average has declined from .300 to .268.

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper missed a second-straight game Sunday against the Padres because of a bruised left knee. Harper is batting .171 (6 for 35) with two home runs and four RBI in 12 May games.

Nationals pitcher Jordan Zimmermann struck out six but suffered his second loss of the season Saturday night against the Padres.

Zimmermann (7-2) allowed a solo home run to Yonder Alonso in the second. He gave up a run-scoring single to Everth Cabrera that broke a tie in the eighth. The right-hander was charged with two runs -- one earned -- and seven hits over eight innings of a 2-1 loss.

Zimmermann has allowed no more than one earned run in four of his last five starts. He is scheduled to make his next start Friday at home against the Phillies.

Nationals manager Davey Johnson told The Washington Times Saturday that Wilson Ramos' hamstring strain is worse than the one that kept him out for a good portion of the first month of the season. The Nationals are ready to take a "very cautious" approach with his injury.

Wilson, on the 15-day disabled list, flew to Washington from San Diego this week. The team has not announced a timetable for his return.

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper was held out of Saturday's lineup against the Padres with a bruised left knee, according to The Washington Times.

Harper told reporters he is sore from his recent collision with the outfield wall. MRI results on his abdomen came back clean. Harper could be held out as a precaution Sunday in order to return at full strength Monday at San Francisco. He is hitting .171 with two home runs and four RBI in 12 May games.