Murphy (knee) ran on the field Monday, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy had been limited to running on a treadmill before Monday, so this is certainly an encouraging step in his recovery from October knee surgery. The 33-year-old was also able to incorporate significant lateral movements in his workout over the weekend, so he seems to be making solid progress. That said, he remains without a timetable for his return. Howie Kendrick and Wilmer Difo will continue to hold down second base until Murphy is ready to return.

Murphy (knee) practiced fielding grounders Sunday, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Sunday marked the first time that Murphy's workout included a significant amount of lateral movements. This progress is promising, as the Nationals had hoped that Murphy would avoid missing an extended period of time after opening the season on the disabled list. Until his return, expect Howie Kendrick and Wilmer Difo to spend time at second base.

Murphy (knee) was placed on the 10-day disabled list Tuesday, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy had already ruled himself out for Opening Day as he hasn't yet fully recovered from October knee surgery, so this is hardly a surprise. The DL stint means that Murphy will miss at least the first week of the regular season, though the Nationals sound optimistic that he won't miss too much more than that. Howie Kendrick and Wilmer Difo are likely to fill in at second base in Murphy's absence.

Murphy (knee) said Wednesday that it's "reasonable to expect" that he won't be ready to play in the Nationals' season opener against the Reds, Eddie Matz of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy's comments essentially echo what Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said Monday, so look for the team to place the second baseman on the 10-day disabled list shortly before spring training concludes. Though Murphy hasn't recovered from October microfracture surgery on his right knee quite as quickly as hoped, the 32-year-old noted that he's pleased with his progress. Per Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports, Murphy is regularly taking batting practice and has incorporated more lateral movement in his fielding drills in recent days. It's unclear if he'll be able to get in any at-bats before the Grapefruit League concludes, but the Nationals seem optimistic that Murphy is only looking at a short-term absence to begin the season. Howie Kendrick is the favorite to open the campaign as the primary starter at the keystone, with Wilmer Difo also likely to pick up work behind him.

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said Murphy (knee) will likely open the season on the 10-day disabled list, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

It was already presumed that Murphy wouldn't be ready for Opening Day, and it's now looking likely that he'll miss over a week to start the season. Murphy has been handled very carefully this spring, as the Nationals are wisely prioritizing keeping him healthy for the long haul rather than trying to rush him back for the start of the season. Wilmer Difo and Howie Kendrick should share the duties at the keystone until Murphy is 100 percent healthy.

Murphy (knee) won't appear in a spring training game anytime soon, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy was able to participate in fielding drills Tuesday, but don't expect to see him on the field in the near future. Manager Dave Martinez stated that although he wouldn't rule Murphy out for Opening Day just yet, they want to make sure he's 100 percent before putting him on the field and that they'll proceed with caution. At this point, his chances of playing in the regular-season opener seem slim.

Murphy (knee) participated in fielding drills Tuesday, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy's movement was fairly limited while fielding grounders, but his ability to continue taking part in baseball activities is a step in the right direction. Murphy has a ways to go before being in game shape, although recent reports indicated that he could still be active by Opening Day. Additional information regarding how the Nationals will proceed with the 32-year-old second baseman should become available as his rehab progresses.

General manager Mike Rizzo said Monday that he's "cautiously optimistic" Murphy (knee) will be ready for Opening Day, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy is set to take on-field batting practice for the second straight day as he continues to work his way back from October knee surgery. He still has plenty of work to do before he's back in game shape, but it sounds like the veteran second baseman could ultimately be ready for the start of the season if he continues to progress on schedule. Murphy's status should clear up in the coming weeks as he further ramps up his activity. If he's unable to go by Opening Day, Howie Kendrick would likely fill in at second base until Murphy is back.

Murphy (knee) took batting practice Saturday without any discomfort, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy is working his way back from October knee surgery. It's a positive sign that he was able to hit without issues, though he's still considered unlikely to be ready by Opening Day. He's been able to take grounders hit directly at him, though he hasn't yet been able to make quick lateral movements. There's still plenty of work for him to do before he's in game shape.

Murphy (knee) is set to take batting practice Saturday for the first time this spring, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Murphy is gradually working his way back from microfracture surgery in October with this being an important step forward in his recovery. Recently, Murphy has been able to start hitting off a tee and hitting side toss, but the possibility of him being ready for Opening Day is looking a little doubtful with the start of the season less than 20 days away.