On the Phillies, the weekend series, Span and Martin

The Phillies have gone into a tailspin since their last meeting with the Nationals. The three-game set last weekend in Philly was their last and only win streak, when they won two of three versus the Nats.

A team meeting called by closer Jonathan Papelbon did not help them snap a three-game skid yesterday, when they lost to the Mets 6-1.

Both teams begin play tonight in D.C. with identical 3-6 records. Alongside the Marlins, the trio is tied for third place in the National League East. The Nationals have been able to win only one of three in each series to begin this season and are seeking their first series victory of the year when they tangle with the Phillies in this four-game series.

It is a critical early-season homestand (I know, they are all). The Nationals face Philadelphia for four games and one of the NL favorites in the Cardinals for three more before they go on their longest road trip of this young campaign to end the month. Beginning April 24, the Nationals will have nine games in a row away from South Capitol Street. Following this seven-game homestand, the Nationals play 16 of their next 23 games on the road. So it is imperative for the team to take the good feeling they enjoyed from their first rout of the season, the 10-5 getaway win in Boston, home starting tonight to get something rolling.

If the Nationals can somehow win at least three of the four against the Phillies this weekend it would be significant: They would have doubled their win total for the young season and won their first series of April.

The offense certainly came alive and reliever Rafael Martin was sensational in his debut. Led by three RBIs from Wilson Ramos and a two-run shot by Tyler Moore, the last four hitters in the lineup combined for seven RBIs.

Martin struck out five straight batters in his major league debut, becoming the first major league pitcher since 2012 and the first Nationals pitcher since Stephen Strasburg in 2010 to do so. His steel demeanor on the hill reminded me of my conversation with current Nationals pitching coordinator Paul Menhart's words about how determined the pitcher from California was on the mound in the minors.

"(Martin) has a certain poise and demeanor out there," said Menhart, who previously served as Martin's pitching coach in the minors. "He knows he is better than the hitter. That is a notable trait compared to other pitchers because he knows he is good. And it shows."

Similar to Clint Robinson, the 30-year-old Martin has paid his dues. The two-time MiLB.com Nationals organizational All-Star has been working hard to make it up the chain in the minors since 2007, when he debuted in the Mexican League. Last season with three Nationals minor league teams, Martin compiled a 1.39 ERA in 58 1/3 innings over 38 games, earning 12 saves.

Manager Matt Williams revealed Wednesday that center fielder Denard Span is closer to returning from his right core muscle surgery. Span will play for low Single-A Hagerstown tonight for a scheduled nine innings to get as many at-bats as possible. He went 1-for-4 in Harrisburg two nights ago and worked out at Nats Park yesterday. When Span is activated, it would seem that Michael A. Taylor might be demoted. Reed Johnson appears to be the Nats' key pinch-hitting option and they lik Robinson's lefty bat.

If all goes well tonight for Span, I would expect a Friday return to the lineup.

Friday night is Military Appreciation Night against the Phillies. The club has set aside a good amount of tickets for active duty and retired military personnel and their families.

Complimentary and discounted military tickets will be available to service members at the Grand Staircase Box Office near First Base Gate beginning at 4 p.m. All seating is subject to availability. Complimentary and discounted military tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.