Murphy undergoes successful knee surgery

By Byron Kerr

Nationals

October 20, 2017, 11:43am

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The Nationals announced this afternoon that second baseman Daniel Murphy underwent successful surgery to repair cartilage damage in his right knee. The club said Murphy's rehabilitation will begin immediately and "progress throughout the offseason."

Specifically, Murphy underwent a debridement and microfracture surgery to repair damage to the articular cartilage in his right knee. Dr. Timothy Kremchek performed the procedure.

The 32-year-old Murphy had another outstanding season for the Nationals, slashing .322/.384/.928. His .322 batting average was second in the National League to the Rockies' Charlie Blackmon (.331).

Murphy played in 144 games in 2017, two more games than in 2016 with the Nats, and did not visit the disabled list this season. But he did have several plays where he came down hard on his right knee. This repair will hopefully allow Murphy enough time to get back healthy for spring training.

Murphy's fielding percentage was .984 with nine errors in 2017. In 2016, he also committed nine errors and his fielding percentage was .981.

Murphy signed a three-year deal with the Nats in January 2016. He is scheduled to make $17.5 million next season, the final year of the current deal.