Ian Desmond is back in the starting lineup Friday against the Giants, James Wagner of The Washington Post reports.

Desmond is back in the starting lineup Friday against the Giants, James Wagner of The Washington Post reports.

Analysis:

The Nats are using Desmond as their No. 6 hitter for Friday's matchup against right-hander Jake Peavy. Aside from posting a disappointing line overall (.219/.263/.347), Desmond has struggled recently with a 15-for-97 (.155) stretch including a 3:35 BB:K over the last 30 days.