Game 152 lineups: Nats at Marlins

MIAMI - The Nationals look to salvage the final installment of a three-game series in South Florida tonight, but maybe more importantly, look to get some positive results for their slugger Bryce Harper.

There was a bit of a buzz yesterday at Marlins Park regarding Tom Verducci's latest update on Harper's presumed ailing shoulder. Manager Dusty Baker said that report was "inaccurate," but did say that Harper had dealt with a neck issue early in August. He placed Harper back in the lineup in game two after a "mental day off" Monday.

After Tuesday's 1-0 loss to the Marlins, Baker was optimistic how Harper was doing at the plate despite not getting the results he had wanted.

"We had a couple of times when Bryce hit the ball a ton," Baker said. "That's a good sign when he hits the ball on a line like that. It was tough to stay with him and stuff but I mean he's right there, he's right around the corner. I know he's frustrated. We're all frustrated especially when you're not scoring runs."

But Harper is just 1-for-23 since September 10. His slugging percentage this season is .441 after a career-high .649 mark in 2015.

Harper is in the lineup again Wednesday. But Daniel Murphy (leg soreness) is not starting for the fourth consecutive game. Stephen Drew is playing second base again.

The Nationals' magic number to clinch was whittled to four thanks to the Mets' 5-4 loss to Atlanta. With the Nationals still in a mild losing streak, Baker was asked during pregame Tuesday if the mental side or the physical side was the most difficult part to handle as the grind of the season rolls on.

"It's a combination," Baker reasoned. "If your body feels good than your mind probably feels better. But if your mind is messed up or not there on some days then your body is not going to respond. Your mind controls your body. But sometimes your body can affect your mind. It's a very delicate game. The mind is a very powerful thing like they've said in the past. You can will your way past some things but some things you can't."

The Dodgers did not help themselves Tuesday either, falling 2-0 to the Giants. Los Angeles is still three games back of the Nationals for the home field advantage in the possible division series matchup.

Baker said his players are well aware of the implications each loss has on their ultimate goal.

"They know what's going on," Baker said. "But I don't want them looking backward, I want them looking forward. I've sort of assigned some guys to spread the word so I don't have to. Hey, this is what we want. These guys are big boys, they know what's going on.

"Our whole thing is we got to end this losing streak and get back on the winning trail and finish strong. I always talk about finishing strong and every month if you haven't noticed we usually finish strong."

The start tonight goes to right-hander Max Scherzer (17-7, 2.78 ERA) who is 4-2 with a 3.44 ERA against the Marlins in his career.

He is opposed by right-hander Tom Koehler (9-11, 3.96 ERA) who has allowed six homers to Harper in his career, the most for any hitter against him. Jayson Werth has also hit two homers off of Koehler, who is 4-7 with a 4.04 ERA lifetime against the Nationals.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS at MIAMI MARLINS
Where: Marlins Park, Miami
Gametime: 7:10 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN2, MLB.tv
Radio: 106.7 FM, XM 184/Internet 869, MLB.com
Weather: Indoors, 77 degrees

NATIONALS (88-63)

CF Trea Turner
LF Jayson Werth
RF Bryce Harper
3B Anthony Rendon
C Wilson Ramos
2B Stephen Drew
1B Ryan Zimmerman
SS Danny Espinosa
RHP Max Scherzer

MARLINS (76-75)

2B Dee Gordon
RF Ichiro Suzuki
3B Martin Prado
CF Christian Yelich
LF Marcell Ozuna
1B Justin Bour
C J.T. Realmuto
SS Adeiny Hechevarria
RHP Tom Koehler