PITTSBURGH – Riley Adams has been a No. 1 catcher most of his life. He played all the time at the University of San Diego. He topped 400 plate appearances in the Blue Jays farm system in both 2018 and 2019.

That’s not going to be the case with the Nationals. Not unless something happens to Keibert Ruiz, the unquestioned No. 1 catcher here now.

So Adams has to start learning how to keep himself productive at the plate when he’s only catching once or twice per week.

“It’s a little different,” the 25-year-old said. “But it just means you’ve got to spend a little more time before the games behind the scenes making sure you’re as prepared as you can be.”

Adams is behind the plate for today’s series finale against the Pirates. It’s only his third start in 11 team games to date. And with very little opportunity to pinch-hit now that the designated hitter has come to the National League, there’s little reason to worry about coming off the bench in-game these days.