Nationals' Daniel Murphy: Worried about lack of spring action

Manager Dusty Baker expressed worries about Murphy being ready for the season due to his lack of game action at the WBC, Mark Zuckerman of MASN reports.

Analysis:

Murphy left the Nationals to join Team USA at the WBC 12 days ago, and since then has only registered 11 at-bats, none of which have come in the last week. It doesn't help that he has struggled in his limited at-bats this spring, going 1-for-11 (.091) at the WBC and 3-for-17 (.176) with the Nationals before then. "He didn't have his stuff together when he left," Baker said. "And how are you gonna get yourself together if you're not playing? Batting practice is one thing, but competition is something else. I just hope we can get him enough work." The 31-year-old could return Saturday at the earliest, but could be away until next Wednesday if Team USA advances to the finals. His workload will be something to monitor, and it seems Baker may choose to ease him into the start of the season if he isn't able to get enough work in. Murphy finished second in the NL MVP voting last season while batting .347 with a league-best .985 OPS and should still be counted on for another big campaign, but be prepared for a potentially slow start.