Nationals' Danny Espinosa: Not in Friday's lineup

Espinosa is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Giants, MASN's Dan Kolko reports.

Analysis:

Espinosa will head to the bench after starting 12 straight coming out of the break, affording Wilmer Difo his first start with the big club this season. The 29-year-old Espinosa's been mired in a miserable slump, going 5-for-44 (.114 average) with 18 strikeouts to begin the second half, but his playing time appears relatively safe for now with Trea Turner taking on a significant role in center field.