Taylor returns, Ross looks to command (with lineups)

Michael A. Taylor returns to the starting lineup for the first time since missing Tuesday. Taylor has been battling a swelling in his bruised right knee resulting from a collision with the center field wall at Nationals Park on Aug. 27.

The rookie did make an important appearance in Friday's game, smacking his first pinch-hit homer in walk-off fashion to drop the Braves 5-2. Taylor, 24, is slashing .240/.288/.392 with 14 homers, 15 stolen bases and 58 RBIs in his first full season in the majors.

Ryan Zimmerman extended his hitting streak to 10 games with an RBI single to left in the fifth last night. Zimmerman was in the lineup for today's finale, but was scratched and replaced by Tyler Moore at first base. The Nationals said it's just a day off for Zimmerman. Moore is batting .203 with four home runs and 22 RBIs in 81 appearances this season.

Right-hander Joe Ross takes the mound looking to rebound from his toughest start of his rookie season. Ross battled major command issues last Tuesday, walking six and allowing three runs over just 2 2/3 innings in the Nationals' 8-5 loss to the Cardinals.

Prior to that baffling outing, Ross had pounded the strike zone in his previous 11 starts, fanning 65 while walking only 11 over 66 2/3 innings.

The Nationals have won nine straight home games over Atlanta this season and are 12-3 overall against the Braves in 2015.

For the Braves:

RF Nick Markakis
2B Jace Peterson
1B Freddie Freeman
C A.J. Pierzynski
LF Nick Swisher
3B Adonis Garcia
SS Andrelton Simmons
CF Michael Bourn
LHP Manny Banuelos

For the Nationals:

RF Jayson Werth
2B Anthony Rendon
CF Bryce Harper
3B Yunel Escobar
SS Ian Desmond
C Wilson Ramos
CF Michael A. Taylor
1B Tyler Moore
RHP Joe Ross