When Davey Johnson was asked last night (after Ian Desmond left the game with Atlanta early with a flare-up of the oblique issue which has plagued him for weeks) if a DL stint was in the 26-year-old shortstop's future, Johnson told reporters, "I don't want to go there." Asked if Desmond would be available for Sunday's game, Johnson said honestly, "I don't know. Probably iffy."

"[Desmond's] a gamer," the Nats' skipper said,, "I doubt if he'll be able to go tomorrow." Desmond was not in Sunday's lineup and after Washington's 9-2 win over Atlanta, Johnson told reporters that an MRI had revealed an oblique tear that will send Desmond to the DL for at least the next two weeks after which they'll take another look. The District Sports Page's Dave Nichols tweeted the update after Sunday afternoon's game:

#Nats Ian Desmond to DL with oblique tear per Davey Johnson's post-game presser. — District Sports Nats (@NationalsDSP) July 22, 2012

The Nats' manager reportedly hinted that Syracuse Chiefs' outfielder Corey Brown would likely be called up to replace the Nats' shortstop on the Nats' roster:

Corey Brown the likely call-up, Davey said. — Amanda Comak (@acomak) July 22, 2012

In 92 games and 426 plate appearances so far this season, Brown, 26, acquired along with RHP Henry Rodriguez in the deal that sent Josh Willingham to Oakland, has a .300/.384/.559 line with 19 doubles, seven triples and 21 HR's.

Ian Desmond, who's been in and out of the lineup as he attempted to play through the injury, has a .286/.322/.503 line with 24 doubles, two triples and 17 HR's in 89 games and 385 PA's so far this season. Desmond skipped the All-Star Game after he was named to the NL Roster for the first time hoping that the oblique issue would clear itself up, but the results of the MRI today will force the infielder to finally sit down. Danny Espinosa, who's filled in for Desmond at short so far, and Steve Lombardozzi will be the Nats' middle infield combo up the middle until Desmond's back on the field.