Daniel Murphy Injury: Updates on Nationals 2B's Buttocks and Return

Washington Nationals All-Star second baseman Daniel Murphy was dealing with a strained buttock that had kept him out of action since Sept. 20. However, he is ready to return. 

Continue for updates.

---

Murphy Pinch Hits vs. Marlins 

Sunday, Oct. 2

Murphy was inserted into the lineup to pinch hit against Miami in the fifth inning and would fly out in his only plate appearance. 

---

Nationals Briefly Shutting Murphy Down

Friday, Sept. 23

Per MLB.com's Jamal Collier, an MRI revealed Murphy "has a strain in his buttocks," and "the Nationals are shutting him down for the next few days."

---

Murphy Enjoying Career Year for Nats

Murphy enjoyed the best season of his career at the age of 31, leading the National League in slugging percentage and OPS. He's been a standout for the Nationals, who have needed his effort to offset a surprisingly down season for Bryce Harper. 

Murphy has been able to avoid major injuries this season after spending time on the disabled list in each of his last two seasons with the New York Mets. His breakout season does give the Nationals an anchor in the middle of the lineup, though they are fortunate to have more depth than in recent years.