WASHINGTON -- Manager Dave Martinez threw his newest catcher into the big leagues headfirst on Tuesday evening. Riley Adams had just arrived from Rochester, N. Y., having made the 5 1/2-hour drive early that morning after appearing in one game for the Triple-A affiliate.

Martinez mentioned pregame Tuesday that he was excited to have the power hitter join the lineup, noting that Adams would split time with the other catchers. What the Nats' skipper failed to mention was how soon he was planning on getting the organization’s No. 13-ranked prospect into the action.

The Nationals trailed by one in the bottom of the ninth inning. With two outs, Adams stepped into the batter’s box as a pinch-hitter. The 6-foot-4 catcher was facing Phillies reliever Jose Alvarado, who was touching 100 mph with his sinker.

Though Adams stuck out on five pitches, it was an important opportunity to get his feet wet and get comfortable with his new club prior to his first start on Wednesday, when he’ll be batting in the six-hole.

Catching has always been the first priority for the Blue Jays’ 2017 third-round pick. Adams likes to focus on getting to know his pitchers before he shifts focus to the batter’s box. And yet his slash line is nothing to scoff at.

Adams has hit .262 with a .363 on-base percentage and a .419 slugging percentage across four professional seasons (2017-21). He has 17 RBIs with seven homers so far this season, all in the Minors.

“I'm just excited to be here,” said Adams on Tuesday. “It's my first time in D.C., and it's off to a good start. … It's a brand new team and a lot of new faces that I’ve got to get to know. Especially a lot of pitchers that I need to get on board with as quickly as possible. So [I’m] looking forward to getting into the clubhouse, trying to meet as many guys as possible and [trying] to learn the pitching staff as quickly as possible.”