Ryan Zimmerman, Yunel Escobar out of lineup as Nationals finish series with Mets

Heading into the series finale with the surging New York Mets on Wednesday, the Washington Nationals were further disarmed.

First baseman Ryan Zimmerman, infielder Yunel Escobar and outfielder Michael A. Taylor were all out of the lineup.

Zimmerman, who has been trying to manage plantar fasciitis much of the season, is dealing with left oblique soreness. Zimmerman had a day off Sunday to rest his aching foot. He had two hits on Monday, but also took the swing that strained his oblique and has not played since.

Taylor ran into the center-field wall Aug. 27. He did not play in four of the nine games that followed, but played in the last three. Taylor sprinted around the bases as a single turned into a three-base error in the top of the sixth, then lost his footing on the warning track in the bottom of the inning.

Nationals manager Matt Williams said Wednesday that Taylor’s knee is “extremely” swollen and added that tests show Taylor’s knee is “structurally sound.” He’s dealing with a significant bruise.

According to Williams, Escobar had a fever that peaked at 103 degrees Tuesday night. Williams said Escobar continued to deal with the fever Wednesday.

Danny Espinosa was in the lineup at second base on Wednesday, shifting Anthony Rendon to third base in place of Escobar. Clint Robinson was at first in place of Zimmerman. Matt den Dekker was moved into left field, Bryce Harper into center and Jayson Werth into right because of Taylor’s absence.