Cruz sits for third straight day, expected back Tuesday

ST LOUIS – Nelson Cruz is out of the Nationals lineup for the third straight day, still plagued by a sore right knee but showing enough signs of improvement to suggest he’ll be ready to return Tuesday night.

Cruz fouled a ball off his knee in the third inning of Friday’s game against the Mets and was replaced two innings later. He sat out the remaining two games of that weekend series in New York, and now he’s out again for the opener of this four-game series against the Cardinals.

“We’re giving him another day today,” manager Davey Martinez said. “He says he feels a lot better. He’ll be available to pinch-hit today. Hopefully, he’ll be good to go tomorrow.”

Cruz has dealt with several minor ailments this season, but typically has returned after only one or two days off. This is only the second time the 42-year-old designated hitter has been out of the lineup three consecutive games.

Cruz’s absence has opened the door for Martinez to try some different looks with his lineup and defensive alignment. Luke Voit has assumed DH duties in his absence, with Joey Meneses shifting from right field to first base. Martinez has tried out multiple corner outfielders in recent days, and today he’s again going with rookie Josh Palacios in right field and veteran middle infielder César Hernández in left field.

The Nationals have scored seven runs each of their last two games without Cruz’s participation, but he has actually been more productive at the plate in recent weeks.

“We’re getting a chance to get some guys out there, see some different things. But I’d love to have his bat in the lineup, for sure,” Martinez said. “It’s more about his health. We’re dealing with a little bit of weather today, too. We’ll get him, hopefully, if we need him to pinch-hit today. But if not, he’ll be ready tomorrow.”

* Keibert Ruiz, to nobody’s surprise, is in today’s lineup. It’s his fourth straight game starting behind the plate, even with two of those games as matinees sandwiched around a flight from New York to St. Louis.

Martinez spoke Sunday about his willingness to let the 24-year-old talk his way into the lineup for the Nats’ series finale at Citi Field. Ruiz wound up collecting three hits and guiding the pitching staff through a 7-1 victory.

With right-hander Jack Flaherty starting for the Cardinals today, Martinez didn’t hesitate to play Ruiz again, though that may not be the case Tuesday or Wednesday with left-handers José Quintana and Jordan Montgomery scheduled to pitch for St. Louis.

“He’s good. He’s hungry. He wants to play,” Martinez said of Ruiz. “He’ll catch today, I’ll see how he feels tomorrow. I explained to him that one of these two days, I’m probably going to give him the day off. But he says he feels great.”

The Nationals are actually carrying three catchers right now, with Riley Adams and Tres Barrera on the 28-man September roster. For now, both are understanding of their scarcity of playing time.

“I’ve talked to them before what their role is,” Martinez said. “They understand that Keibert is the No. 1 catcher. I’ll get them in when I deem them fit to play. But I already saw Riley Adams this morning studying hitters, preparing, talking to pitchers. They know their role, so they’ll be good to go when they’re called upon.”