Jordan Zimmermann's possible final act (Escobar scratched, Turner in)

Jordan Zimmermann takes the mound for possibly the last time in a Nationals uniform tonight. The free agent-to-be is expected to sign elsewhere this offseason after spending his entire career with the organization after the Nationals selected with him with the 67th overall pick in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft.

Zimmermann made his major league debut with a victory over the Braves on April 20, 2009. The right-hander went on to become the winningest pitcher in Nats history, compiling a 70-49 record with a 3.32 ERA over the last seven seasons.

Zimmermann, 29, hasn't been as dominant this season, surrendering a career-high 24 homers. He is 13-9 with a 3.68 ERA in 32 starts.

Zimmermann is undefeated in four career starts at Turner Field, going 3-0 with a 1.86 ERA.

Bryce Harper looks to finish September out strong. The National League MVP frontrunner is slashing .357/.500/.798 with 10 homers, seven doubles, 26 walks, 19 RBIs and 25 runs scored in 26 games this month.

With five games remaining, Harper's .334 season batting average is tops in the NL, leading Miami's Dee Gordon by a slim two-point margin.

Update: Yunel Escobar has been scratched from tonight's lineup with a back problem. Rookie Trea Turner will start at second base with Anthony Rendon shifting to third base.

Coming off his first major league homer last night, Turner is batting .462 (6-for-13) over his last seven games.

For the Nationals:

3B Anthony Rendon
2B Trea Turner
RF Bryce Harper
LF Jayson Werth
1B Clint Robinson
SS Ian Desmond
C Wilson Ramos
CF Michael A. Taylor
RHP Jordan Zimmermann

For the Braves:

CF Michael Bourn
3B Hector Olivera
RF Nick Markakis
C A.J. Pierzynski
1B Nick Swisher
2B Jace Peterson
SS Andrelton Simmons
LF Todd Cunningham
RHP Williams Perez