Ian Desmond Injury Update: Nationals Shortstop Could Be Back As Soon As Friday

Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond, who has been on the disabled list since July 23 after straining his oblique, might be back as soon as Friday, according to manager Davey Johnson.

Double whoa: Desmond activated Friday if all goes well, and Rendon "might be" a call up in September, Davey said.

— Adam Kilgore (@AdamKilgoreWP) August 15, 2012

Johnson addressed the media before the Nationals’ Tuesday night’s showdown with the San Francisco Giants, saying Desmond — who had been rumored to be on a fast track back to the team — could be activated as soon as the team’s Friday night game against the New York Mets. Desmond had been expected to miss five weeks.

Desmond has missed 23 games since hitting the DL, during which time the Nationals have gone 18-5. The first-time All-Star in 2012 was batting .286 with 17 homeruns and 53 RBIs in 89 games played before the injury sidelined the rising star.

Johnson also mentioned that 2011 first-round draft pick infielder Anthony Rendon could serve as a September call up if things continue to go well for the highly touted prospect. Rendon was recently promoted to Double-A Harrisburg.

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