Washington Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy is recovering from a hamstring injury and hasn't played since the All-Star Game on July 12. An exact return date has yet to be announced.
Continue for updates.
Rizzo Comments on Murphy's Recovery
Sunday, July 17
MLB Network Radio provided a synopsis of Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo's comments on Murphy's status: "Murphy's fine. [One hundred percent] ready to go. With [the] first couple wins of [the] series, we figured we'd keep him out today. Basically his All-Star break."
Murphy Out vs. Pirates
Sunday, July 17
Mark Zuckerman of MASN noted Murphy will be out of the lineup against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday.
This is the third straight game Murphy is set to miss. The Nationals are off on Monday and host the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday.
Murphy Struggles to Stay Healthy
Murphy has been susceptible to injuries over the past two years, spending time on the disabled list because of a strained quad (2015) and strained calf (2014). Neither was devastating, though he did miss a total of 51 games.
A consistent regular-season performer throughout his career, Murphy briefly became a legend for the New York Mets last October with seven home runs across the National League Division Series and Championship Series, including an MLB playoff-record six consecutive games with a homer.
The 31-year-old picked up where he left off for the Nationals. His .348 batting average leads Major League Baseball, and he's already set a career high with 17 home runs in 87 games.
Second base has been a problematic position for years in Washington, mostly because Danny Espinosa and Anthony Rendon haven't been able to stay healthy. The addition of Murphy has stabilized the position.
With Murphy out, manager Dusty Baker has turned to Stephen Drew at second base for the time being. The Nationals do have a seven-game lead over the Mets and Miami Marlins in the National League East, so they can afford to be patient with Murphy.
The Nationals have a solid lineup, led by Bryce Harper and the breakout performance from Wilson Ramos, but Washington doesn't have the kind of depth to deal with a long-term injury to one of its key players.
Murphy has been tremendous so far this season. His bat is one of the biggest reasons for Washington's success, so making sure he's healthy for the stretch run is of the utmost importance.
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