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Washington Nationals: 5 To Watch Against Colorado

By Ron Juckett

Apr 23, 2017; New York City, NY, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) celebrates scoring with first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) on his two run home run during the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2017; New York City, NY, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) celebrates scoring with first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) on his two run home run during the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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DANIEL MURPHY

No, we are not playing up a non-existent rivalry between Murphy and DJ LeMahieu. The two battled to the wire for the NL Batting Title before a hamstring injury sidelined Murphy the last couple weeks.

Instead, Murphy’s legs are an issue again. After two flying weeks at the plate, the second baseman cooled. Over the last seven games heading into Sunday night, he is 3-for-21 hitting .143. He is not striking out much, just twice, but he is not reaching base either.

Add his three walks and the on-base percentage jumps to .250. As the rest of the offense feasted on the Atlanta Braves and Mets, Murphy took time off. He looked better in the raw dampness of Citi Field Saturday, but keep an eye on his wheels.

The Nats can ill afford him to be out of the lineup long. Remember last year that the legs bothered him long before he was forced to sit.

Murphy still leads the team with seven doubles, but trails Bryce Harper and Ryan Zimmerman in batting average at .329. The grand slam off Zach Wheeler helps too.

The Rockies did a decent job holding Murphy to a slash line of .292/.370/.458 last year. Better yet, in six games they surrendered only one double and home run. Watch how comfortable he is this week.

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