Martinez on Harper and Turner's returns, Soto and Eaton's confidence

MILWAUKEE - Nationals manager Davey Martinez was pleased to report that Bryce Harper has recovered enough from the stomach bug that made him a late scratch Tuesday. Harper is back in the lineup for today's series finale, batting third and playing center field.

"Yeah, he's feeling better," Martinez said. "Had something in his stomach. He ate this morning and says he feels pretty good. So he's in there."

Martinez spoke with Trea Turner after Monday's bunt in the fourth inning ended with the shortstop not running to first base. Turner pinch-ran in the 10th inning in Tuesday's loss but was caught stealing at second base.

"Yeah, we talked and I told him I got a lot of respect for him," Martinez said. "He understood. He knows better and he's in there today. I want him to just go out there and have fun. When he's going good, he's a catalyst. He does a lot of good things for us. I just want him to go out there and play baseball."

Tanner Roark makes his 20th start of the season today for the Nats and is looking to snap a six-game losing streak. Although he allowed four early runs July 13 in a road start against the Mets, Roark saw some good things from that start he and the manager hopes to carry over into today's opportunity.

"I think he realizes that what his identity is - that's to keep the ball down," Martinez said. "When he throws the ball down, he's really good. We saw that his last outing in New York, where he kept the ball down and he got some quick outs and was able to be effective."

Juan Soto's six-pitch battle against Brewers right-handed reliever Jeremy Jeffress was one of the best of the series. Soto hung in there, called timeout a few times and ended up facing five knuckle-curves before striking out.

"I like it. He's up there, he wants to compete," Martinez said. "He wants to do good. He wants to get a hit, but yet he wants to get on base. That's his thing. I like that. It shows his intensity and how well he wants to do for the team.

"He's very confident and rightfully so. He's very good. He's intelligent. He knows what he wants to do. He has a plan every time he goes up there. To see that in a 19-year-old kid is pretty impressive."

Adam Eaton displayed his speed and power Tuesday night with a three-run homer early. Instead of just jogging around the horn, Eaton ran full speed on the bases and back to home plate.

"That's pretty good, but that's who he is," Martinez said. "If you know him, he's very intense. I'm glad that he is starting to feel better and he helped us. He's helping us every day so it's good to see."

Even with the two hits and a walk, Eaton said after last night's game that he is not quite back to where he wants to be rhythm-wise at the plate. Does that surprise Martinez?

"If he's not 100 percent, I can't wait until he gets there because he's actually doing pretty good," Martinez said. "So as long as he continues to get better and feel better, he's doing great. When he gets on base, good things happen."

Right-hander Joe Ross was seen in the clubhouse at Nationals Park a couple of weeks ago as he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Martinez said it is still a ways until Ross goes on a rehab assignment.

"He's still going to be a little bit," Martinez said. "I don't have a timeline, but he's progressing. We are building up his pitches. So hopefully by sometime in August we can get him out there for a rehab assignment."

Right-hander Erick Fedde, who has been on the disabled list since July 5 with right shoulder inflammation, is on the trip and is continuing his rehab. Martinez said the young hurler made a solid step forward this week on the field.

"He's progressing. He threw up to 90 feet the other day," Martinez said. "I talked to him yesterday and he's itching to get going but once again he's one of our young prospects and he's going to be here for a while so we want to make sure he's right."