Dodgers manager Joe Torre selected catcher Russell Martin to lead off for the Dodgers as they attempted to stop a seven-game losing streak in Friday night's showdown opener against the D-backs. Martin had never hit leadoff since arriving in the Major Leagues in 2006.

Torre also held a team meeting, and not just the normal pitchers and hitters briefings that generally precede the first game of a series. Torre wouldn't say what he told his players, but he did discuss the club's situation with the media.

"It's up to us to make up ground," he said. "We're the chaser. We don't have time to lick our wounds. What's happening is more mental than physical. We're four games under .500. It's frustrating because we still can reach the spot. We look up and see Arizona losing. I guess we have the same diet."

The usually accommodating Martin said he wouldn't talk about his new spot in the batting order until after the game. Matt Kemp, who had been leading off, was dropped to fifth.

This was Torre's explanation:

"With his on-base percentage, we're just thinking a little different. Matty's just been anxious. Fifth is still a prominent spot. Just thinking of switching the guys up. We're in a situation, leading off you're the table setter and you need to be selective. Matty had gotten away from that and it works against you.

"If this is a brainstorm, why did we wait until the end of August? We're just struggling and I wanted to shake things up. And Martin's had success against [Arizona starter Doug] Davis."

Martin is 4-for-15 in his career against Davis. His 67 walks lead the Dodgers and his .381 on-base percentage leads all Dodgers that have been with the club the entire season. He did not play Thursday night in Washington but was 5-for-12 in the other three games against the Nationals. Kemp is hitless in his past 14 ar-bats and 4-for-31 with seven strikeouts on the trip.