After final tune-up today, Nats begin planning for Tuesday

With nothing at stake in today's regular season finale, Davey Martinez should be able to enjoy a rare, stress-free afternoon at the ballpark. The Nationals manager insists that will not be the case.

"No, they're all stressful," he said with a laugh. "I love what I do. I enjoy what I do, but ... you know, I wear whatever these guys do. I want 'em all to do good. So it doesn't matter who's playing. As long as you're wearing the Nationals uniform, I want 'em all to do good."

Martinez did fill out a lineup card missing several regulars. Anthony Rendon, Howie Kendrick and Asdrúbal Cabrera all are sitting this one out, getting some rest in advance of Tuesday night's National League wild card game. Others, including Trea Turner, Adam Eaton, Juan Soto, Kurt Suzuki and Victor Robles, are starting but may only get a few at-bats before taking a seat.

"I talked to a lot of players yesterday," Martinez said. "Adam wanted to get a couple at-bats. Trea wants to get a couple at-bats. Matty Adams, I want to get him some at-bats. (Brian) Dozier I want to get at-bats. It's based on getting guys prepared and ready for Tuesday."

Martinez in particular was glad to put Soto's name in the lineup. The young left fielder has endured through the first prolonged slump of his career this month; over his last 21 games, he's batting .156 with two homers, a .313 slugging percentage and .683 OPS.

Soto, though, had some encouraging at-bats during Saturday's win. And through it all, he has maintained enough patience at the plate to post a .371 on-base percentage.

"I was more worried in the beginning of the year when he was struggling really bad, because you always hear about the sophomore jinx, and I've seen it," Martinez said. "But man, what he's done to get 'em back, that's a testament to him and his approach. I think he's going to be fine. He's put some better swings on the ball. I think he's back and ready to go. He's going to hit fourth for us Tuesday, and hopefully, he's going to get the opportunity to drive in runs."

As for Tuesday's opponent ... well, the Nationals still don't know who is coming to town for the first wild card game in club history. If the Cardinals win or the Brewers lose this afternoon, Milwaukee will fly to Washington on Monday and work out at Nationals Park in advance of Tuesday night's game. If, however, the Cardinals lose and the Brewers win, the two teams must meet Monday afternoon in St. Louis to settle the NL Central title, with the loser then flying to Washington for Tuesday's wild card game.

The Nationals have prepared scouting reports for both potential opponents, and their final wild card roster decisions could change based on which team comes to town. Of course, the Nationals may not even know that until Monday evening.

Martinez was asked if he'd sleep better tonight if the NL Central race was settled and he knew the identity of his opponent.

"I hardly ever sleep," he said. "But what I really like about today is: I get to go home, have dinner, spend some time with my boys, who are here, and enjoy the night and not worry about hopping on a plane."