Harper, Desmond deal with cold; Zim still feeling sore

VIERA, Fla. -- Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper and shortstop Ian Desmond came down with chest colds, according to Matt Williams. Harper was in Thursday's lineup against the Mets, while Desmond was sent home.

Harper will get the day off on Friday against the Tigers. Desmond is going to take a few days off anyway because of a cut finger he sustained while taking infield practice on Wednesday.

"We'll just get him out of here and make sure that he tries to [get over the illness]. Other than that, we are good." Williams said.

Meanwhile, third baseman Ryan Zimmerman sat his second straight game due to what Williams called minor shoulder and body tightness. The current plan is for Zimmerman to return to the lineup on Saturday against the Marlins, and Williams is not concerned, even though Zimmerman has endured shoulder surgery in the past.

"We're just being a little overcautious with him," Williams said. "I think he's fine. I wouldn't have any reason to think otherwise. He's been going through the whole thing already, all the drills, all the games, everything."

In Thursday's 7-5 loss to the Mets, Williams removed Harper after four innings because the outfielder was not feeling well.