Harper returns to Nats lineup, so does Desmond (updated)

Bryce Harper is back in the Nationals' lineup today after getting yesterday off to rest his left knee, which he received treatment on recently. Ian Desmond, however, is not in the Nats' lineup for the second straight day. Desmond had hoped to receive a special patch today that he could put on top of the blister that's on his left palm, but the patch wasn't able to arrive this morning. As a result, Desmond will sit out another game and manager Davey Johnson hopes to have his shortstop back in the lineup for at least one of the Nats' games in tomorrow's doubleheader against the Mets. Update: The Nats have just announced that Desmond will, in fact, play today. He's been added to the lineup, playing short and hitting sixth. Steve Lombardozzi will play second and hit second, with Anthony Rendon getting a day off. The Nats will sent Gio Gonzalez (7-3, 2.89 ERA) to the mound today as they hope to avoid a four-game sweep at the hands of the Pirates. Pittsburgh will send right-hander A.J. Burnett (4-7, 3.07), who held the Nats to one run over seven innings and struck out nine in a win at PNC Park back on May 3. Updated Nats lineup LF Bryce Harper 2B Steve Lombardozzi 3B Ryan Zimmerman 1B Adam LaRoche RF Jayson Werth SS Ian Desmond CF Denard Span C Kurt Suzuki LHP Gio Gonzalez For the Pirates LF Starling Marte 2B Jordy Mercer CF Andrew McCutchen C Russell Martin 3B Pedro Alvarez 1B Gaby Sanchez RF Josh Harrison SS Clint Barmes RHP A.J. Burnett