Key for Gray is “controlling his emotions” vs. Dodgers

It’s not any easy task asked of Josiah Gray tonight. To face the team that traded him and his catcher, Keibert Ruiz, away last summer and also boasts one of the best lineups in the major leagues.

But that’s what manager Davey Martinez is going to ask of the young right-hander as the Nationals face the Dodgers in the second game of a three-game series on South Capitol Street.

Gray and Ruiz, of course, were the top two prospects included in the four-player package sent from Los Angeles to Washington in exchange for Max Scherzer and Trea Turner last summer. That deal comes full circle this week in the Dodgers’ first trip to D.C. since the blockbuster trade.

On the hill at the start of the game will be Gray, with Ruiz behind the plate and batting second for the third straight game. Batting third in top of the first inning will be Turner, in the Dodgers’ gray uniform.

Ruiz and Turner had their time to soak in the moment of playing their former clubs yesterday. Gray gets his chance tonight, with Martinez hoping he stays focused.

“For me, it's about controlling his emotions and having focus on just getting pitch to pitch,” Martinez said of Gray during his pregame media session. “So we'll chat with him when we meet with him, like we always do for the games when he pitches. But I just want him to just kinda relax and go out there and continue to do what he's been doing and grow. Keep growing the way he's been growing. Because I've seen some growth, I've seen some maturity. Last outing, he got through some high-leverage situations and he did well. So I want him to continue to do that.”

That last outing was a strong one for Gray on Wednesday against the Marlins. He completed six innings for the third time, allowing six hits, three runs and no walks while striking out seven. And Ruiz guided him the whole way while also going 3-for-3 at the plate with two doubles, an RBI and two walks to reach base in all five plate appearances for the first time in his career.

“Yeah, Keibert did a great job, like I said last outing with them, on some of the high-leverage situations,” Martinez said. “Stepping out behind home plate, getting him to relax a little bit and focus on the next pitch. So I expect Keibert to do that today with him. They've been working great together, they really have. So I'm looking forward to watching these two guys compete today.”

Now the key is for the young battery to do the same tonight against their former club.

“It's just for him to relax and understand what he needs to do to get through this game,” Martinez said of Gray. “So it's gonna be interesting to watch him and see how he reacts and how he does. He's a competitor. That's one thing I know for sure. He loves to compete and he loves to win. He's gonna give everything he has tonight to beat the Dodgers, I know that.

“I think it's a big moment for him. He came up with the Dodgers and he has history with them. So there might be some emotions a little bit when he goes out there for the first time facing those guys. But after that, I hope that he settles in and continues to do what he's been doing. And that's to compete and keep us in the ballgame.”

* Victor Robles is out of the lineup after entering last night’s game as a defensive replacement for Juan Soto in the eighth and then being replaced himself by Dee Strange-Gordon in the ninth when he got a cramp in his right calf.

Martinez says his absence tonight has to do both with matchups against Dodgers starter Walker Buehler and the calf.

“He's better today,” the manager said of Robles. “He went through all of his hitting and fielding some balls and stuff, so we'll see how he's doing.”

When asked if Robles is available off the bench tonight, Martinez said: “We'll see how he feels. I mean, he cramped up pretty good yesterday.”

* As Stephen Strasburg and Joe Ross get ready to make their first rehab starts at low Single-A Fredericksburg and Double-A Harrisburg, respectively, tonight, infielder Ehire Adrianza will also get his rehab assignment underway with the Senators.

Adrianza, who strained his left quadriceps during the final week of spring training, had been playing simulated games in West Palm Beach and is now ready to take a big step in his return to the Nationals. The veteran infielder has been cleared to play the field and will get his fair share of reps at multiple positions.

“He's going to play the field,” Martinez said. “And I don't know where exactly they're going to put him, but we want him to play the field there. Now it's time for him to actually prepare and get ready. So he'll play as much as he can. I want him to play some shortstop. He'll play some third base, some second base and even, possibly, if he feels OK, sticking him out in left field.”

In tonight’s game against the Altoona Curve (Pirates), Adrianza is leading off and playing shortstop for the Senators.

“Right now, we're probably gonna keep him between five, six, seven innings, depending on how the game goes and depending on the weather.”

* Ryan Zimmerman will make his highly anticipated broadcasting debut tonight when he joins Bob Carpenter, Kevin Frandsen and Dan Kolko for pregame coverage and the game broadcast on MASN2.

Mr. National was seen chatting with his new broadcast partners and owner Mark Lerner on the field at Nationals Park during batting practice. It was odd to see him in street clothes instead of a jersey, batting practice hat and gloves with a bat.

He then chatted with some former teammates, such as Josh Bell and Turner.

Zimmerman is probably used to pregame chats with Martinez in the manager’s office. But today’s was as a member of the media.

“It was pretty, pretty good to talk to him,” Martinez said. “Talked to him about Josiah, Keibert and them working together. Some of the positives of our younger guys doing well. He's pretty excited about doing this today. So it will be fun to hear. After the game.”