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Washington Nationals News: Daniel Murphy continues to improve at the plate

By Pablo Roa

Apr 30, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth (28) is congratulated by second baseman Daniel Murphy (20) after hitting a three run home run off of St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Jaime Garcia (not pictured) during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth (28) is congratulated by second baseman Daniel Murphy (20) after hitting a three run home run off of St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Jaime Garcia (not pictured) during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Today’s District Daily features stories on Daniel Murphy‘s continued success at the plate and the Washington Nationals’ decision to delay activating Ben Revere from the disabled list.

Good evening DoD readers, and welcome to today’s District Daily. Get caught up on the latest Nats news and opinions with some great Washington Nationals articles from around the web below.

In today’s Daily, the Washington Post’s James Wagner discusses how Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy continues to improve at the plate.

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As Wagner writes in his article, Murphy is off to an electric start this season and has been one of the most productive hitters in the game. Murphy, whom the Nationals signed to a 3-year, $37.5 million deal during the offseason, leads all of baseball with a .398 batting average and has emerged as a leader in the Nationals’ clubhouse.

Along with Bryce Harper, Murphy has been one of the team’s best players thus far in 2016 and his seemingly limitless ability to produce at the plate is one of the biggest reasons why the Nationals entered tonight’s game against the Cubs with an impressive 19-8 record.

Here’s what Harper had to say about Murphy’s success this season, via Wagner’s article:

"“To be able to stay consistent like that, really just drive the ball wherever he hits it, it’s just tremendous,” Harper said. “The preparation he has day in and day out, in the cage, on the field, staying with his routine, it’s something you want every teammate of yours to have, and he’s got it. … I hope he keeps going. If we get that all year out of him, I think we’ll be right where we need to be.”"

Also in today’s Daily, MLB.com’s Jamal Collier discusses the Nationals’ decision to delay activating Ben Revere form the disabled list. As Collier writes, Revere rejoined the team today in Chicago and participated in full pregame workouts.

But given the cold temperature in Chicago and the fact that the team wants to ensure that Revere can work out without feeling soreness, manager Dusy Baker decided to hold off on activating him from the DL. If all goes well, Revere should be back at the top of the order on Friday.

Be sure to check out both articles below, they’re definitely worth a read. And as always, stay tuned to DoD for all your Washington Nationals needs.

Daniel Murphy, a hitting machine and unofficial assistant coach, keeps on improving

(James Wagner, Washington Post)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Daniel Murphy has had one game off this season, on April 23, but Nationals Manager Dusty Baker still put him to work. Baker sent Nationals hitters to talk to the second baseman about hitting.

“You might learn something,” Baker said he told the hitters. “Or you might learn some of the things we’re trying to teach you that comes from a different voice. A lot of times you can learn more from a fellow player more than you can from a coach or a teacher even. That’s why fellow students are tutors. It’s the same situation. A tutor situation for Murph.”

Given his red-hot hitting, Murphy is a worthy instructor. He is a hitting addict. He thinks a lot about it. He shares his observations with teammates. He has already been referred to as “a hitting machine” by one teammate. Read full article here.

Nationals wait on activating Revere from DL

(Jamal Collier, MLB.com)

CHICAGO — Nationals outfielder Ben Revere rejoined the club on Thursday and participated in a full pregame workout before the series opener against the Cubs.

Next: Washington Nationals at Chicago Cubs Series Preview (5/5-5/8)

However, Washington has decided to wait to activate Revere from the disabled list — where he has spent the past month after suffering a right oblique strain — to make sure he came away from Thursday’s activity without any soreness. If all goes well, Revere should return to the top of the lineup on Friday. Read full article here.

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