JUPITER, Fla. -- Time has started to become a factor as to whether or not Daniel Murphy will be ready to begin the season on time, but he has started to make some positive strides. Murphy has started hitting off a tee and playing soft toss, manager Dave Martinez said Monday, an encouraging development for the Nationals as the All-Star second baseman recovers from last offseason's microfracture surgery on his right knee.
"He knows what he needs to do," Martinez said of Murphy. "He knows his body better than anybody. He's working diligently to get ready for the season.