Washington Nationals: Murphy, Harper To Return; Ramos Doubtful

The Washington Nationals received good news on some injuries as they prepare for the worst about Wilson Ramos’ knee.

As the Washington Nationals hold their breath on how bad catcher Wilson Ramos is injured, the team received good news regarding Bryce Harper and Daniel Murphy.

Harper, who jammed his left thumb Sunday on a bungled slide into third, did not break it or do any ligament damage on the play. Early in the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, he steamed into third base when Jung Ho Kang faked a tag as if there would be a play. Harper, too close to the bag to slide correctly, awkwardly grabbed the bag, bending his thumb backward.

Initial concerns of a tear or a break were unfounded and as soon as the swelling goes down, he will be able to swing the bat.

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Murphy’s glute injury happened the weekend before at Turner Field against the Atlanta Braves. Sliding to second, he pulled a muscle in his backside but remained in the game. At first not thought to be serious, he pinch-hit twice in the series against the Miami Marlins. His backside, however, did not respond to treatments, and he sat out the rest of the Marlins and the entire Pirates series.

Whether Murphy gets a couple at-bats over the weekend at home against Miami remains to be seen, but he is expected to be ready when the Washington Nationals start their National League Divisional Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on October 7.

Murphy’s injury gives Stephen Drew a chance to get innings in at second. A shortstop by trade, Drew moved to second two years ago when signed by the New York Yankees in Derek Jeter’s final season. A better defender than Murphy, Drew’s bat and glove may draw a start or to against the Dodgers regardless of Murphy’s health.

The injury to Murphy limits his ability to run, making second base harder to play. With Drew as a solid option, Murphy can slide over to first and give Dusty Baker Ryan Zimmerman’s veteran bat off the bench.

Ramos, on the other hand, is likely done for the year. After a rain delay Monday night, he fielded a high throw during a play at the plate and landed wrong on his leg. A non-contact injury, Ramos crumpled to the ground immediately and pointed to his knee as he writhed in pain in the Washington mud.

Next: Goodwin's Solid September

His official status remains up in the air until an MRI done Tuesday comes back, but with one ACL tear in his history, the prognosis is not good. Pedro Severino and Jose Lobaton will handle the catching duties for now.

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