Martinez on Rendon, Gott, Zimmerman and the mariachi band

Manager Davey Martinez discussed the Nationals activating third baseman Anthony Rendon from the 10-day disabled list. Adrian Sanchez was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse. Rendon played two games for high Single-A Potomac in the last two nights.

"He looked good playing the last couple of days," Martinez said. "His at-bats were really good. He's moving a lot better than what I anticipated. I just expect him to go out there and do his thing like normal. He's excited about being back and he says he feels good."

Trea Turner has been playing every day. Martinez had wanted to give him a break, so today worked out perfectly for him to place Rendon in the No. 2 hole in the lineup.

Rendon is wearing a special brace around his big toe in his shoe.

"We will keep an eye on it for sure," Martinez said. "Hopefully, he won't hit it again. He says he feels fine.

"We will see how it goes. Really, honestly. If he gets a little sore, gets tender, I might have to give him a day. But I'm going by what he told me today and he says he feels good."

Reliever Trevor Gott injured his ankle as he planted to throw a pitch last night.

"He's going to be day-to-day, but they say he's going to be fine," Martinez said. "He's got a slight sprain. But he says he feels fine. We won't use him today and then we will re-evaluate tomorrow.

"Just his ankle twisted on him. Just a freaky accident. I'm glad he's going to be OK."

First baseman Ryan Zimmerman was a late scratch from today's starting lineup due to a "stiff side" from a fall in Friday's game against the Phillies.

"I told him why chance it, so he's going to be out," Martinez said.

Martinez put Matt Adams, who was scheduld to start in left field, at first base, while Andrew Stevenson moved from center field to left field and Rafael Bautista got the start in center field. The manager had already planned to give everyday center fielder Michael A. Taylor a rest day.

"We are giving Taylor a day off, too," Martinez said. "He's another guy who has played a lot. He's been awesome in the outfield and doing a lot of running. So I wanted to make sure these guys get a break."

* As part of Cinco de Mayo, Martinez said he had worked on getting a Mariachi band to play for the Nats for "a while" now.

"Little interesting morning. Little fun for the boys and myself actually," Martinez said. "I love music and festivities. So I thought it would be fun. Perfect timing, we get Rendon back today."

Rendon actually broke into a dance as the band played.

"I thought it wasn't bad," Martinez said of Rendon's dance moves. "I didn't realize he had that in him."