Solís and bullpen rested after supreme Scherzer effort

Nationals starter Max Scherzer came up big for his team in so many ways Monday night in the 2-0 shutout of the Braves. The complete game ended their five-game losing streak, helped Scherzer regain his confidence and, maybe most importantly, rested a heavily used bullpen.

No fewer than six relievers toiled Sunday night in the extra-inning loss to the Mets, and without another off day before April 19, having a full day of rest is a big thing this early in the season. It was one of those things that doesn't show up in the box score, but manager Davey Martinez knows its importance as the season progresses.

The skipper is hoping that he can get greedy today with Stephen Strasburg on the hill and have his second ace go at least seven innings to give the bullpen still more rest.

One very big positive to begin this season for the bullpen is the pitching of left-hander Sammy Solís, who has been able to fully regain strength in his elbow and shoulder after a nerve impingement hindered his velocity in 2017.

Solís said Sunday night that if he can get his fastball to 95, 96 mph, as he did against the Braves and Mets last week, that changes everything he does for the better.

"It's big just because it sets up my other pitches," Solís said. "I've always had a decent changeup right now, but it's really playing because guys have to really respect it now. Now that I can go 94, 96 mph and then throw an 85 mph changeup in there, they have to be ready. Whereas last year was 89, 90 mph with an 85 mph changeup. It's a little too close in miles per hour for me, so I'm just excited to feel back again and healthy."

A healthy Solís has the ability to get lefties and righties. That he was a starter when he began his career makes him a good candidate to fill the role of long man out of the 'pen.

Solís said he pitches the same way regardless of the score or the conditions. Whether the Nats have a 5-0 lead or his team is down, whether it's 90 degrees and sunny or 30 degrees and windy, he must approach each outing the same way.

"That's just the way to stay consistent, is having a consistent plan and a consistent process no matter the score, and no matter the length of the game or the temperature outside," Solís said. "Obviously, elements aren't too friendly right now ... but we are approaching every game day the same, and that's how you stay consistent and get through this long season."