Nats without Bryce Harper in finale (with lineups)

Bryce Harper is out of this afternoon's lineup after being nailed by a 95 mph on the inside of his left knee during his final plate appearance in the ninth inning yesterday. The third-pitch heater from Brewers right-hander Michael Blazek ran in hard on Harper, leaving the young star hobbled and unable to continue in the game.

It's the second time this season that Harper has been forced out of the starting lineup the day after being hit by a pitch. Harper missed a May 30 contest in Cincinnati after Reds left-hander Tony Cingrani struck him with a fastball in the center of his spine the night before.

Nationals manager Matt Williams has scrambled his batting order around without the hot-hitting Harper available. Danny Espinosa will bat second and make his second straight start at first base. Espinosa was 1-for-5 with a double and a run scored while looking comfortable in his career debut at first yesterday.

Yunel Escobar slides into to the cleanup spot. After two more hits yesterday, including his third homer, Escobar raised his average to .319, best among all major league third baseman.

With Harper's pop out of the lineup, the defense will be key behind Max Scherzer this afternoon. Clint Robinson will be making just his second career start in right field filling in for Harper today.

For the Nationals:

CF Denard Span
1B Danny Espinosa
2B Anthony Rendon
3B Yunel Escobar
RF Clint Robinson
SS Ian Desmond
C Jose Lobaton
LF Michael A. Taylor
RHP Max Scherzer

For the Brewers:

CF Carlos Gomez
LF Gerardo Parra
RF Ryan Braun
1B Adam Lind
SS Jean Segura
2B Scooter Gennett
3B Hector Gomez
C Martin Maldonado
RHP Taylor Jungmann