Notes: No stopping Starlin; Max progressing

WASHINGTON -- Nationals manager Dave Martinez has a simple explanation for Starlin Castro’s early-season success:

“He’s just a good hitter."

Castro entered Saturday’s game against the Orioles hitting .361 through 10 games in his first year with Washington, making himself at home around the top of National League leaderboards. The second baseman leads the team in hits (13), OBP (.378), OPS (.878) and OPS+ (141). He also is tied for first on the club in doubles (3), triples (1) and slugging percentage (.500).

“His bat-to-ball skills are really, really good,” Martinez said. “I think what he does really well is that he keeps his hands back, and he's able to spoil good pitches.”

Martinez spent time with Castro when he was a coach for the Cubs and Castro was a youngster on his first team. Now, the manager is not surprised by his production in his 11th Major League season. In fact, he encouraged Castro's teammates to watch how the newcomer approaches his at-bats.

“I try to tell these guys, as you see Starlin, he’s hitting the ball over the field,” Martinez said. “For me, it’s just stay in the middle of the field. There's a lot of hits up in the middle of the field, and it puts you in a good spot to hit when you start to stay back and stay in the middle of the field. That's something that we need to do as a whole.”

Over his last four games, Castro is 8-for-16 with three runs scored, two doubles and one RBI. He’ll look to continue that momentum in the remainder of the series vs. Baltimore, against whom he is batting .310 over his career.

“He’s just one of those guys," Martinez said. "He's just a pure hitter.”

Scherzer eyeing Tuesday start
After his throwing session went well on Friday, right-hander Max Scherzer (tweaked right hamstring) was slated to throw a bullpen on Saturday. He is working toward making his next scheduled start on Tuesday after leaving his last outing on Wednesday after just one inning.

“He's treating it as if getting ready for his next start,” Martinez said. “Typically, that's anywhere from 30 to 40 pitches, so we'll see how he feels. My biggest concern is him being able to push off his leg. And if he can do that, I think he's going to be alright.”

Scherzer aggravated his hamstring after sprinting. So does that mean the ace known for his intensity won’t run at full speed?

“We could tell Max a lot of things,” Martinez said with a laugh. “As you all know, he's very competitive. It's part of his routine. Hopefully he tones it down a little bit. We have to remind him that he's not a base stealer, and just go out there and just get ready to pitch. We need him every five days. So hopefully he learned, and he could tone it down a little bit.”