Ruiz talks his way into lineup, then delivers

NEW YORK – Having caught the first two games of the Nationals’ weekend series against the Mets, with a day game for the finale of a three-city, 10-game trip that includes no off-days, Keibert Ruiz seemed to be a safe bet to find himself on the bench Sunday at Citi Field.

The young catcher knew that’s what Davey Martinez’s intention would be when devising lineups for the series. So he took a proactive approach and walked into the manager’s office after Saturday night’s game and said he wanted to start the following afternoon.

Martinez, knowing Ruiz had taken a foul ball off his mask during the game, said he needed an honest answer if he was feeling well enough to do it. But when Ruiz insisted he was, Martinez didn’t hesitate to rewrite his lineup card and give the 24-year-old the opportunity to play again.

“I’ve had Willson Contreras (in Chicago), who caught every day. I watched (Yadier) Molina catch every day, (Ivan Rodriguez) catch every day,” Martinez said. “I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt, see how he reacts today and we’ll go from there. I did tell him: ‘You will get a day off here in the next couple days.’ But I love the fact that he wanted to play today.”

Martinez loved it even more when Ruiz proceeded to collect three hits and call another strong game behind the plate in the Nationals’ 7-1 win over the Mets.

It was one of Ruiz’s best games of the season, and he was particularly proud of the fact he delivered after insisting to his manager he was good to play.

“Whenever they give me the opportunity, I’ll be there,” he said. “I’m going to try to do my best. I’m not going to say I don’t want to play. No. That’s the sport that I love, and I would love to do it every day.”

Ruiz hasn’t been playing every day, but he’s been playing more than nearly every other catcher in the majors. Sunday was his 102nd game behind the plate, a total topped only by the Phillies’ J.T. Realmuto (109) this season.

“It helps me learning the game more, and seeing things that I can see behind the plate,” Ruiz said. “And just growing as a player.”

Teammates have seen that growth over the course of the season, most notably Nationals pitchers. Erick Fedde, who started Sunday’s game and allowed just one run and four hits over six innings, has been impressed by Ruiz’s more hands-on approach to working with the pitching staff of late.

“We’re starting to really have a relationship, and understanding our game plan,” Fedde said. “Even today in our meeting, he came with some ideas, which I haven’t really seen from him. I feel like maybe it’s comfortability. He came to me with ideas, and I love that. Especially after he just caught such a great game from (Patrick) Corbin. Kudos to him and the growth he’s had.”

The Nationals have another day game this afternoon in St. Louis, a rare series opening matinee to commemorate Labor Day. Common sense says Ruiz should get this one off. But Martinez wasn’t about to rule out the possibility if his young catcher made a convincing enough case again.

“When a kid comes in your office like that and was real adamant – he’s probably going to get a day off after he caught last night – and wants to play, he’s been that guy all year,” Martinez said. “He’s played hard all year long for us. I’m going to reward him with that. He came out today ready to play, as he always does. And he had a big day for us.”