Updates on Strasburg, Murphy, Kendrick and Taylor

Nationals manager Dusty Baker says Daniel Murphy is fine and his quad is doing better, so he has placed the second baseman back in the lineup tonight. They kept him out of the lineup yesterday to be careful.

"That's why we took precaution on yesterday's game," Baker said. "It worked out well. You don't want Murph missing too many games but you certainly also don't want him playing injured at this point in time or close, the threat of injury. You never really now, but Murph know his body as well as anybody."

Baker is also being cautious with Howie Kendrick and his tender back that flared up Monday. His back has caused some concern for both player and manager.

"Howie could have played today. He feels the same today as he did at the beginning of the game yesterday," Baker said. "When I took him out his back had tightened up on him some so when I was watching him run and watching him move around that's why I took him out yesterday.

"So, I think it's better that he doesn't play today, well at least (not) start today, there's a chance he could be in the game later, especially as he gets looser. This is something that has bothered him from time to time but not really seriously yet so we don't want it to get to that point."

Michael A. Taylor went 1-for-3 with an RBI and three stolen bases in Double-A Harrisburg's 6-3 win at Bowie. The Senators now head to Hartford for a weekend series. It would make sense for Taylor to just stay in the DMV with the Nationals, who are home until next Wednesday afternoon against the Angels. Taylor has already played nine rehab games as he recovers from an oblique injury.

Baker said Stephen Strasburg's next turn will be a more intensive game like session.

"I think he's going to throw one more, either a sim game here or in the minor leagues, we haven't decided yet," Baker said.

His next potential pitch day would likely fall this Monday. The P-Nats hosts Salem that night in Woodbridge, Va. That could be one possibility for Strasburg.