Washington Nationals’ lineup for the 2nd of 3 with the St. Louis Cardinals in Busch Stadium

With Davey Martinez at home in D.C. recovering after experiencing chest pains during the series finale with the Atlanta Braves on Sunday afternoon, and having a procedure called a “cardiac catheterization” on Monday morning, the Washington Nationals traveled out to St. Louis for the start of three-game set in Busch Stadium last night.

Before the game, Nats’ shortstop Trea Turner talked about playing the Cards without their manager in the dugout.

“You’re used to having the same guy being there telling us what he expects from us for the most part,” Turner said. “I know the whole staff is there, but just having him at the top of it, it would be a little different without him, but we’re going to have to battle just like any other day and play the game hard and hopefully get a win for him.”

The Nationals weren’t able to win one for their skipper, dropping the opener with the Cards, 4-2, leaving them 1-4 against St. Louis this season with two to play in the Cardinals’ home.

Did Martinez reach out to Bench Coach Chip Hale, who filled in for the manager last night?

“I haven’t heard yet,” Hale said. “I’m sure he’ll give us a call after the game if he’s up. I know he’s been through a battery of tests, so hopefully he’s feeling good.”

Ryan Zimmerman too talked about Martinez’s absence, though he said you have to play the games, regardless of any health issues that affect the team.

“You just keep playing,” Zimmerman explained. “I think obviously we all miss Davey and hope he’s well, but the game goes on no matter who’s here or who’s not here, whether that’s a manager, player, or anyone, you’ve got to go out and play the game, and I’m sure he would say the same thing, so obviously we wish the best for him and we’re thinking about him, but you just go out and play the game.”

There’s another game to play tonight, at 7:45 PM EDT again...

HERE’S THE NATIONALS’ LINEUP FOR TONIGHT’S GAME WITH THE CARDS: