Suzuki staying productive as playing time increases

SAN FRANCISCO - The Nationals knew they were getting an offensive-minded catcher when they signed Kurt Suzuki over the winter. So they aren't exactly surprised by the production they've gotten out of the 35-year-old veteran this season.

But they're also making sure they appreciate it.

"He's been awesome, really has," manager Davey Martinez said. "And not just his hitting. The way he's been calling games. His leadership in the clubhouse. Everything about him has been really, really good. I have no complaints what he's done."

The Nationals intended for Suzuki and Yan Gomes to share catching duties, with Gomes more likely to see a bit more action. But as Gomes struggled at the plate and Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and Aníbal Sánchez all enjoyed success while paired up with Suzuki as their batterymate, the plan changed some.

Suzuki has now started 25 of the Nationals' last 47 games, slightly more than half. And he continues to produce at the plate, especially during Tuesday night's 5-3 win over the Giants.

Suzuki drove in three of the Nats' five runs while going 3-for-4. He recorded a rare, opposite-field RBI single in the top of the first, then crushed a 400-foot homer to left in the top of the third before adding another single in the sixth.

Add it all up, and Suzuki now has 12 homers (matching last year's total in 155 fewer plate appearances) and 43 RBIs (seven shy of last year's total) and an .806 OPS that ranks fifth among the National League's regular catchers.

"It's been good," he said when asked about his season as a whole. "Obviously, I like the RBI totals. For me, production is key. Obviously, batting average and all that stuff is great, but if you can drive in runs or score runs, you help the team win."

His teammates aren't afraid to offer up high praise, especially those who have known him for a long time.

"If I play, like, two or three innings a week, that's a lot. That's a busy week for me," said closer Sean Doolittle, who used to play with Suzuki in Oakland. "And he's catching nine innings several times a week. He takes great care of his body. He works really hard in the weight room behind the scenes. That's definitely part of it.

"I'm really lucky that I'm still pitching to him. He was the catcher behind the plate when I made my debut with the A's. I feel like we have a really good rapport. He's a fun guy to play with."