Murphy is out of the lineup Friday against Miami.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy will retreat to the bench after starting four of the previous five games. In his absence, Wilmer Difo will man the keystone and bat seventh.

Murphy is out of the Washington lineup Wednesday against Boston.

EDGE Analysis

The two sides will conclude their three-game series with an matinee that begins at 11:05 a.m. and the Red Sox are bringing a left-hander (Eduardo Rodriguez) to the hill, which likely influenced Nationals manager Dave Martinez's decision to hold Murphy out. Murphy, who went 2-for-8 during the first two games of the series and connected on his first home run of the season, will give way to Mark Reynolds at first base.

Murphy went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Monday's loss to the Red Sox.

EDGE Analysis

His sixth-inning shot off Rick Porcello was Murphy's first homer in 17 games since returning to the lineup after last year's knee surgery. The 33-year-old has started to look more like his old self at the plate, slashing .300/.344/.433 over the last eight contests, and with his power stroke now returning he should be poised for a big second half.

Murphy (leg) will make his first start of the season at second base Sunday against the Phillies.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy has been hobbled of late by a leg injury, but delivered with a double as an emergency pinch-hit option Saturday night. He's healthy enough to take over at the keystone for the series finale, however, resuming his natural position and sending Wilmer Difo to the bench.

Murphy, who knocked a pinch-hit double in the ninth inning Saturday, might not be in the starting lineup again Sunday, and he's still bothered by his leg, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Nationals have carefully handled Murphy's playing time lately, as he's only started two of Washington's past five games. Even after that base hit, he's given his fantasy shareholders little to get excited about since his June 12 return, going just 10-for-50 on the season without a homer.

Murphy is not in the lineup against Philadelphia on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy will be stationed on the bench after going 0-for-4 during Thursday's series opener. In his place, Wilmer Difo will man second base while Mark Reynolds gets a start at first.

Murphy is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Rays.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy recorded three hits in Sunday's contest, and in an effort to keep that momentum going, manager Dave Martinez decided to hold him out Monday against tough southpaw Blake Snell. Mark Reynolds will get the start at first base in Murphy's place.

Murphy is not in the lineup against Baltimore on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy will take a seat after going 0-for-3 during each of the first two games of this series. In his place, Wilmer Difo will man second base and bat seventh in the order. Look for Murphy to return to the starting nine versus the Phillies on Friday.

Murphy is not in the lineup for Game 2 of Monday's doubleheader against the Yankees.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy has started five straight games since returning from the disabled list last week -- going just 2-for-20 with a walk and two singles over those contests -- so he'll head to the bench for what appears to be a regular maintenance day. Wilmer Difo will start at second base and hit seventh in his stead.

Murphy (knee) went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in his season debut for the Nationals on Tuesday night.

EDGE Analysis

The Nationals had the luxury of using Murphy as their DH on Tuesday night, thanks to being on the road for a series against the Yankees. Murphy hit fifth in the order, an arrangement that could be the norm now that he's back in the fold as the Nats alternated lefties and righties through the first six slots in the lineup.