Martinez on getting production from the pitcher's spot in the batting order

Nationals manager Davey Martinez believes he has a pitching staff that can also hit, can put the bat on the ball, move runners and have a positive effect on game for the offense.

Martinez said the pitcher's spot can change a game and allow him to flip his lineup over instead of it being the end of an inning.

"Well, it's been huge. Tanner (Roark two starts ago) driving in some big runs for us. It gives you options when you know the pitcher can swing the bat. He can't hit, so we got to bunt. If you go up there and can't bunt, then he's just basically an out. But our pitchers have all been pretty good. So, you talk to them before they go up there and tell them the situation. I lay it out."

Martinez, of course, has Max Scherzer, who is hitting a whopping .292 with a double and five RBIs. Roark is hitting .195 with a double, a triple and seven RBIs.

Stephen Strasburg is hitting .148 but has three sacrifices. Gio Gonzalez is only 2-for-36 at the plate with two sacrifice bunts. Jeremy Hellickson is 2-for-27, also with two sacrifices.

"(W)e can do different things with those guys," Martinez said of his pitchers at the plate. "I've always prepared them in the situation: 'If you square around to bunt and it's a ball and both corner infielders are crashing in, don't be surprised if I give you a hit-and-run, because I know you guys can swing the bat.' And they are all in, they love it. You can do different things with them."

Every manager gets the question of how he feels about the designated-hitter rule in the American League. Martinez has played or coached in both the American and National leagues for more than 20 seasons. As a player, he spent 11 seasons in the senior circuit and six seasons in the American League.

"I like the National League," Martinez said. "I like the strategy and the way the game is played. But having an extra hitter in the lineup and not have to worry and keeping your pitcher in the game longer is pretty nice. It's definitely a benefit. No double switching. But I like all the strategy of the National League."