Time running out for Murphy, but Eaton about ready to play

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Though they still won't rule out the possibility, the Nationals recognize Daniel Murphy's odds of being ready for opening day are getting slimmer by the day.

Murphy, who had microfracture surgery on his right knee in October, has been taking batting practice and fielding light grounders but has not been in any game-like situations yet. With the season opener in Cincinnati only 14 days away, time is running out for the veteran second baseman to get the preparation necessary to begin the season on the active roster.

"This week will be important for him," general manager Mike Rizzo said. "He's running with 100 percent of his body weight. He's taking swings. He's taking grounders. So let's see how fast he progresses. Obviously, we're not going to rush him."

There seems to be little - if any - reason for the Nationals to try to have Murphy ready for the opener, given the severity of the surgery he had, his age (he turns 33 on April 1) and the club's two viable backup options at second base (Howie Kendrick, Wilmer Difo).

If needed, the Nationals could have Murphy stay in Florida while the rest of the team heads north and have him go on a pseudo-rehab assignment playing in the minor league spring training games that will continue to be held for a week after the big leaguers leave town.

"Opening day is just a day," Rizzo said. "We're not going to rush him and force feed him into anything. We still feel optimistic that he'll be ready, but we won't rush him. That's how we feel about him."

The Nationals have far more reason to be optimistic about Adam Eaton and Michael A. Taylor making the opening day lineup. Each outfielder has been playing in minor league games all week and appear to be on the verge of returning to actual Grapefruit League games.

"Both are very, very close," said manager Davey Martinez, who suggested Eaton and Taylor are likely to be in the lineup sometime the weekend.

Eaton (torn ACL in his left knee) and Taylor (right side tightness) have been getting extensive playing time in minor league games. Martinez estimated that Eaton has taken as many as 40 at-bats so far, though he has yet to play in the field in a game. That's about to change.

"When he's here, I want him doing everything," Martinez said.