Oblique injury ends Zimmerman's season

WASHINGTON -- Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman will not play the final six games of the 2015 season because of a left oblique injury, according to manager Matt Williams.

Zimmerman hurt the oblique on Sept. 5 against the Braves. He took the next day off and played with the injury on Sept. 7 against the Mets and went 2-for-5. That was Zimmerman's last game of the year.

"At this point, to push him is not smart," Williams said about Zimmerman. "He will continue to strengthen [the oblique], start his [offseason] program, make sure he is on that path and get going again next spring."

Video: WSH@STL: Zimmerman belts deep homer to left-center

Zimmerman played in 95 games and hit .249 with 16 home runs 73 RBIs. Besides the oblique injury, Zimmerman dealt with left foot plantar fasciitis that landed him on the disabled list for almost a month. Williams called Zimmerman's injuries flukes.

"I know he wants to get a good winter in, get strong, get ready to go," Williams said. "He has some experience at first base now, so that is not going to be an issue during Spring Training. He can just move forward, be comfortable where he is playing, head the middle of the lineup. I know he wants to play a full season. Boy, if he can do that, he could be pretty impressive."

Worth noting

• Center fielder Michael Taylor did not start Tuesday's 2-1 loss to the Braves because of swelling in his right knee, the same one he hurt after crashing into the wall on Aug. 27 against the Padres. However, Taylor did pinch-run for Clint Robinson in the ninth inning. When Taylor is in an airplane, according to Williams, the knee has a tendency to swell. Williams doesn't think Taylor will need surgery after the season.

"It's a little more puffy today. We'll try to get him through the next six [games]," Williams said.

Video: SD@WSH: Taylor leaves game after crashing into wall

• Third baseman Yunel Escobar didn't play on Tuesday because of upper back issues. He was available to pinch-hit.