Zimmerman, Rendon, Murphy and Eaton updates

Nationals manager Davey Martinez held veteran first baseman Ryan Zimmerman out of the lineup again with a bruised side.

"I talked to him today he said he felt better," Martinez said. "More of a bruise kind of a deal. He's going to keep me updated for today if he's available. He's shooting for tomorrow, but if there's an emergency he might be able to play."

Third baseman Anthony Rendon made it through his first major league game since April 13 with no issues from the fractured left big toe.

"He says he feels good," Martinez updated. "His body feels great. He's working out the whole time and doing a lot of different things. It was just the toe. He said his toe is fine. He says he can feel it but it's not getting any worse so that's good."

Daniel Murphy and Adam Eaton walked into the clubhouse together, both recovering from issues that appear to keep them out longer than they anticipated. Murphy with knee surgery recovery and Eaton tending to a left ankle bone bruise. Martinez confirmed they will be with the club continuing their recovery on the road against the Padres and the Diamondbacks.

"We are taking them both," Martinez said. "Slow process. They are both frustrated. They want to be on the field. They really do. I like having them around. I really do. Two veteran guys that pump up the young guys and they are always out there cheering. So, I like having them around."

Martinez said Murphy continues baseball related activities. His emphasis continues to be running, and running without discomfort.

"Yeah, he went out there during pregame and took some ground balls," Martinez said of Murphy. "Right now for them it's slower than now. They want now. But it takes time."

With all the injuries that Martinez has to watch out for, is he becoming paranoid a bit when he sees guys come to him with ailments, worried that these problems will fester well into the season?

"It lingers in the brain, for sure," Martinez said. "These guys understand they want to play. I know when they are hiding stuff. That's part of having communication with them every day. Howie (Kendrick) today wanted to play. I told him, 'hey, you need a day'.

"We got to give you a day to keep you fresh, healthy, keep your legs good. So he's getting a day. I think having (Wilmer) Difo helps us do things like that. I want to make sure these guys are fresh for the whole season, not just for right now."

Martinez confirmed reliever Trevor Gott is available as he recovers from a "slightly" sprained ankle. Shawn Kelley (right elbow irritation) is going on a rehab assignment. Matt Grace (left groin strain) is throwing a bullpen session today. He expects to go on a rehab assignment early this week, and then if all goes well rejoin the team in San Diego or Phoenix. Grace told me he first tweaked the groin in Atlanta during the April 2-4 series.