Martinez believes Fedde is a potential No. 3 or No. 4 starter

MIAMI - Right-hander Erick Fedde is looking to put another solid start together as he faces the Marlins for the first time in his career. On Sept. 11, he worked 5 2/3 scoreless innings in a 3-1 win over the Phillies. He allowed just two hits, two walks and struck out a career-high nine batters.

Manager Davey Martinez believes that Fedde can continue that good fortune tonight if he focuses on his game plan and doesn't get strikeout happy.

"He could be a really good pitcher," Martinez said. "For me, it's all about consistency. We talked to him about utilizing his fastball more because he has got a good one and he's done that the last few outings. We hope that he does that today.

"For him, it's use his fastball and stay in the strike zone. Sometimes he tries to miss barrels. He don't have to do that. His stuff is really good."

With the season winding down, Fedde is using each start as a showcase of his potential for a starting spot for next season. Where does Martinez think Fedde could end up in this rotation when he gets that consistency every start?

"I see him as a real (No.) 3 or 4 starter potential here ...," Martinez said. "But he's getting better. The big thing is he's getting better. We always talk about guys being hot. I always tell him it's not about being hot, it's about being consistent. Every time you go out there just be consistent. He's done that."

* Right-hander Tanner Roark, fresh off a convincing 6-4 win over the Braves yesterday in which he allowed just two runs and five hits over 5 1/3 innings, stayed home in Georgia to be with his wife, Amanda, as she gets closer to delivering their third baby.

"Yeah, he stayed home," Martinez said. "Obviously, his wife is about to have a baby. They don't know when. I just told him to stay home with her. Having babies is pretty cool, but the wife needs him around."

* The Nationals are tied with the Yankees and Indians with six players on the Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Watch List: Anthony Rendon, Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, Juan Soto, Max Scherzer and Roark. Very impressive for the Nats that two of their starting pitchers are up for the Silver Slugger, which will be announced Nov. 8 on MLB Network.