Jayson Werth leading off (with lineups)

After a day off to regroup, the Nationals open the final series of their 10-game road trip against the Rockies tonight. Washington comes in losers of their past six, hitting .179 and averaging just two runs per game as a team over the slide.

In the absence of Denard Span, Nationals manager Matt Williams continues searching for a leadoff hitter. Left fielder Jayson Werth tops Williams' batting order against Rockies right-hander David Hale tonight.

Werth was featured in the leadoff spot for 38 games in 2012, slashing .309/.388/.450 with two homers, one triple, 13 doubles, 12 RBIs, 20 walks and 25 runs scored.

The 36-year-old is batting just .145 since returning from the disabled list on July 28 after missing 61 games with a fractured left wrist.

Danny Espinosa starts at second base and will bat a spot after Werth in the lineup. Espinosa has drilled longballs in two of his last five at-bats and his 12 homers remain third-best on the Nats despite his recent decreased playing time.

Jordan Zimmermann makes his second start of the month against Colorado. The right-hander limited the Rockies to one run on four hits with no walks and six strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings on Aug. 7 at Nationals Park. The Rockies stole the game when Carlos Gonzalez smacked a grand slam off Drew Storen in the eighth inning for the 5-4 win.

The Nationals have not lost more than six consecutive games since an eight-game losing streak in 2009 (Aug 28-Sept. 5).

For the Nationals:

LF Jayson Werth
2B Danny Espinosa
RF Bryce Harper
3B Yunel Escobar
SS Ian Desmond
1B Ryan Zimmerman
CF Michael A. Taylor
C Wilson Ramos
RHP Jordan Zimmermann

For the Rockies:

SS Jose Reyes
2B DJ LeMahieu
RF Carlos Gonzalez
3B Nolan Arenado
1B Ben Paulsen
C Nick Hundley
LF Kyle Parker
CF Brandon Barnes
RHP David Hale