Desmond leaves in 8th after being hit by pitch

BALTIMORE -- Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond was taken out of Thursday's game against the Orioles in the eighth inning because of a right thumb injury after being hit by a pitch. X-rays were negative and Desmond is listed as day to day.

Desmond hurt the thumb when facing right-hander Darren O'Day. With runners on first and second and two outs, Desmond worked the count to 2-2, then Day hit Desmond on the right thumb with a fastball. Desmond writhed in pain for a few seconds before he went to first base.

Desmond went out to the field to play defense for the bottom of the inning, but he didn't have a good feel for the ball and was then taken out of the game.

"He is fine. X-rays were negative," manager Matt Williams said. "He is a little sore. Initially, when you get hit like that, it's difficult to grab a ball, so he was trying to throw the ball and he didn't have a good feel for it. So we got him in [the clubhouse] and got a picture. He is fine."

Desmond was replaced by Danny Espinosa, who could see time at shortstop if Desmond is unable to play against the Phillies this weekend.