Nationals shut down Murphy with buttocks strain
The Washington Nationals have shut down second baseman Daniel Murphy for the next few days after an MRI on Friday revealed a strain in his buttocks.
Murphy hasn't started for the Nationals since Sept. 17 because of the ailment, and he's expected to be out of the lineup throughout his club's weekend series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The 31-year-old NL MVP candidate told his manager Dusty Baker it doesn't hurt to hit, just run, according to Chelsea James of the Washington Post, so he might be able to take some hacks over the weekend to see how it feels.
Stephen Drew will start his third consecutive game at second in place of Murphy on Friday.
Murphy is having a remarkable first season in Washington, hitting .347/.391/.596 with 25 home runs and 104 RBIs.