McGowin dealing, Zimmerman departing early (Nats up 9-3)

Bryce Harper is the center of attention today at Nationals Park, but Kyle McGowin is trying to get everyone to notice him as well.

The rookie right-hander, making his first career start, has retired the first nine Marlins batters he has faced, four via strikeout to introduce himself to a crowd that has gathered on a warm Wednesday afternoon for what could be Harper's final home game in a Nats uniform.

Given the starting assignment in place of Tanner Roark, who remains at home in Atlanta with his wife and their newborn son, McGowin has dazzled so far shutting down the Miami lineup the first time through.

The 26-year-old, who had a 2.83 ERA in 23 minor league starts before appearing three times out of the Nationals bullpen earlier this month, is showing off an impressive sinker that has produced several of his strikeouts so far. He got the leadoff man looking in both the first and second innings, then struck out back-to-back hitters in the third to complete that inning and a perfect run through the Marlins lineup.

McGowin's teammates, meanwhile, staked him to a 5-0 lead thanks to a sustained rally in the bottom of the second that included multi-run hits by Spencer Kieboom and Victor Robles.

Harper has received sustained, standing ovations before each of his first two at-bats, flying out to left each time.

Ryan Zimmerman, meanwhile, was replaced by Mark Reynolds at first base in the top of the third, possibly because of injury. Zimmerman walked and eventually scored from second in his only plate appearance. Manager Davey Martinez might have attempted to give the veteran a chance to depart to his own ovation, but Zimmerman never took the field in the third before he was replaced by Reynolds.

Update: The Nationals have stormed out to a 9-0 lead after five innings. And that's important because there's a storm coming from the west. The skies have darkened, they've closed the press box windows and this game is probably going to be delayed (or potentially called, since it's now official) at some point. It's been a rough one for Harper, who is 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. But it's been a great day for the young guys, especially Robles, who is 4-for-4 with a double, a homer and five RBIs. Insert metaphor here. Meanwhile, McGowin retired the first 11 batters he faced, but then he retired only one of the final five he faced before being pulled with what appeared to be a blister on his throwing hand. A tough end to what began as a fantastic first career start.

Update II: Well, you just knew this season wouldn't be complete without one more rain delay, right? The Nationals were leading 9-3 in the bottom of the seventh, with two outs, Trea Turner at the plate and Harper on deck. And as soon as Turner grounded to short to end the inning, the heavens opened up. The Skittles tarp has been unfurled, and this game is officially delayed. It's an official game, mind you. But you know they'd love to get Harper one more at-bat, right? Interesting decision coming up.