SAN DIEGO -- Michael A. Taylor was in the Nationals’ starting lineup Thursday for the first time since May 18, batting eighth and playing center field in the opener of a four-game series against the Padres at Petco Park.

“I’m going to try to get him in more this weekend, as well,” Nationals manager Dave Martinez said. “He’s been swinging really well, so I want to get him some more at-bats. ... I want to get him three or four at-bats and let him play a little bit, especially here, where the outfield’s really big and there’s a lot of ground.”

Taylor headed to the bench with a .536 OPS. Despite playing sporadically since, the right-handed hitter has reached base in four of his past six plate appearances.

“Coming off the bench pinch-hitting, it’s a tough role,” said Martinez. “You get put in situations where it matters most. He’s done a great job. He’s been very accepting of it. Anyone on the bench wants to be in there, but he’s accepted it and he’s done very well.”

The Padres’ lefty-heavy rotation has caused opposing managers to give a bit of extra thought to their lineups this season. The Nationals will see at least three lefty starters at Petco Park -- Joey Lucchesi, Nick Margevicius and Eric Lauer -- and could see a fourth if Robbie Erlin gets a spot-start on Sunday in place of Matt Strahm, another left-hander who was placed on the injured list Wednesday.

Juan Soto was the only left-handed hitter in the starting lineup against Lucchesi on Thursday. Martinez said Adam Eaton will start against a lefty or two as the series progresses.

Rosenthal goes back to back

Trevor Rosenthal allowed a home run while pitching for Double-A Harrisburg on Wednesday, but the outing was another step forward for the rehabbing right-hander. He showed he could pitch on consecutive days, and he threw 15 strikes in 22 pitches. On Tuesday, Rosenthal threw 11 strikes among 15 pitches.

“He’s throwing strikes, which is nice,” said Martinez, who watched video of the outings. “He’s throwing the ball where he needs to throw it. He’s getting close.”

Rosenthal, who missed 2018 following Tommy John surgery, is on the injured list with a viral infection, but his rehab stint is more about regaining his rhythm on the mound after he lost the strike zone completely to start the season -- nine walks, five wild pitches and three hit batters in three innings pitched in the Majors.

His 30-day rehab period ends Sunday. The Nats then must add him to the active roster, release him or designate him for assignment.

Rosenthal is penciled in to pitch again on Saturday, Martinez said.

Injury updates: Hellickson, Miller

Right-handers Jeremy Hellickson and Justin Miller did not make the trip to San Diego. Hellickson (right shoulder strain) probably won’t throw until after the Nats return home June 13, Martinez said. Miller (right rotator cuff strain) came out of a bullpen session Tuesday in good order, Martinez said.