NEW YORK -- Dave Martinez is enthused about Daniel Murphy, everything from his booming bat to his leadership skills.
And now Murphy has taken another step toward actually playing for the Nationals' new manager. Martinez said before Wednesday night's game against the Mets at Citi Field that the 33-year-old second baseman has begun playing extended spring training games in West Palm Beach, Fla., in his comeback from microfracture surgery on his right knee in October.
Martinez said the first game came Tuesday. He reported that Murphy got five at-bats and ran the bases.