Nats game blog: Strasburg vies for first win against Marlins this season

It has been good to see Trea Turner contribute in the last couple of games. He has wanted to play, and getting a chance to show his speed, quick hands and ability to hit has been fun to watch.

Sunday he gets his second start of his young career, batting eighth and playing second base.

We had a discussion regarding Turner during MASN's "Nats Xtra" pregame show Saturday regarding the top infield prospect and his future with the Nationals. He is touted as the next shortstop and could replace Ian Desmond if the veteran is not re-signed.

But Turner could also play second base next season with Danny Espinosa at shortstop and Anthony Rendon at third base. Another long shot scenario is Turner getting outfield reps, a possibility introduced by Dan Kolko during the show yesterday.

Manager Matt Williams on Turner's speed and how it can change their strategy:

"It's well above average speed," Williams said. "You look at the pure base stealing opportunity that he had in Philly on a pitch out and was safe. That's a tell tale sign of base stealing speed. He's got that. It's there. As he gets more and more accustomed at playing at this level, he'll get better and better at the intangibles of stealing bases. But the speed is there."

Also, I have been very impressed with Stephen Strasburg's last couple of starts and likened his workhorse performances to Max Scherzer. Strasburg has 27 strikeouts and 15 1/3 innings in his last two starts, allowing only three total earned runs. He is seeking his first win against the Marlins this season.

Have you noticed how many games Felipe Rivero and Blake Treinen are getting down the stretch? Expect them to get a heavy workload the rest of the season as they will most likely be the seventh and eighth-inning guys in 2016. They have the stuff and now just need to build the innings, especially high leverage matchups.

Rivero has made 25 appearances since August 1, tied with the Cubs' Justin Grimm for most in the National League. Treinen came in with two men on and no outs and was able to induce a 5-4-3 double play and a strikeout.