Ryan Zimmerman still out as Nats open series in Miami (with lineups)

The Nationals will open a three-game series in Miami without Ryan Zimmerman, who injured his left oblique during an at-bat in last weekend's series against the Braves. Zimmerman has missed three of the past four games including the final two against the Mets.

Tyler Moore starts at first base against Marlins left-hander Jarred Cosart. Moore hasn't seen game action since he started for Zimmerman last Sunday. He is 1-for-7 with a double and an RBI since rejoining the Nats from the disabled list on Sept. 3.

Michael A. Taylor and Yunel Escobar return to the Nats lineup after missing the series finale against the Mets. Taylor continues to battle swelling in his right knee after colliding with the center field wall at Nationals Park while attempting to make a catch on Aug. 27 against the Padres.

Taylor is 5-for-12 (.417) with a home run, double and six RBIs over his last four games. The rookie's 29 RBIs are second most on the Nats to Zimmerman since the All-Star Break.

A high fever that spiked up to 103 degrees knocked Escobar out of Wednesday's game. The 32-year-old has been on a tear, slashing .457/.519/.500 with two doubles and six RBIs over his last 12 games.

Gio Gonzalez makes hit return to his hometown coming off one of his best starts of the season. The left-hander threw six shutout innings, allowing just two hits with a season-high 10 strikeouts in an 8-2 win over the Braves last Saturday.

Gonzalez is 1-2 with a 5.00 ERA in three career starts at Marlins Park.

For the Nationals:

LF Jayson Werth
2B Anthony Rendon
RF Bryce Harper
3B Yunel Escobar
SS Ian Desmond
C Wilson Ramos
CF Michael A. Taylor
1B Tyler Moore
LHP Gio Gonzalez

For the Marlins:

2B Dee Gordon
LF Christian Yelich
3B Martin Prado
1B Justin Bour
CF Marcell Ozuna
C J.T. Realmuto
RF Ichiro Suzuki
SS Miguel Rojas
LHP Jarred Cosart