Updates on Murphy, Eaton and Zimmerman

The Nationals have decided to hold steady with Daniel Murphy. The veteran second baseman, recovering from offseason knee surgery, will continue playing games at Double-A Harrisburg.

"I talked to Daniel yesterday and we had a great conversation in length," said manager Davey Martinez. "We thought it would be best that he continues to play in the minor leagues and continues to get better at second base, and feel more comfortable. He was all good for that. We are going to let him do that for the time being and get him right. And when he's right he will let us know, and he'll be back here as soon as he can."

Murphy has played six games with the Senators, from May 26 to June 2. He is hitting .208 (5-for-24) with one double, one homer and six RBIs. But he also has four errors in six games. Is that the field conditions in the minors or a sign that he is not moving as well as he would like?

"He's missed a lot of time and he's just getting back," Martinez said. "Honestly, really it's like having spring training all over again for him. But all the other things, the running, everything else, he looks pretty good. Like I said, he wants to get comfortable, and we thought that it was best that he stays down and keeps getting at-bats, playing every day, 'til he's ready to come back up here."

Video appears to show Murphy has a bit of a hitch in his gait. Martinez said the main concern for Murphy now is putting on the brakes when he slows around bases.

"It's only when he stops," Martinez said. "He told me he's not yet comfortable stopping. But once he gets going he feels great. He said, 'I went first to third the other day and didn't think nothing about it.' We'll get him to where he needs to be, and when he's there we'll bring him back."

Murphy is allowed 20 days for his rehab assignment. So the club will need to make a decision around June 15 as to what the next step will be. Because Murphy did not return to the Nats after six games in the minors, were they thinking of just shutting him down for now?

"No. He's in constant contact with the doctor," Martinez said. "The doctor says he's good. It's just a matter of him getting out there and being comfortable playing again. The game is going to speed up on you now. You haven't done it in a while. So let's just get you back, feeling comfortable."

Outfielder Adam Eaton is playing a rehab game tonight for high Single-A Potomac. Eaton has not played since April 9. He played two games with Harrisburg June 1 and 2.

Tonight, Eaton is playing center field and leading off against the Frederick Keys in Woodbridge, Va. Eaton is eligible to come off the 60-day disabled list this Friday, June 8. But Martinez said the team will not put a firm date on his activation.

"Let's see how these next few days go," Martinez said. "It could be (Friday). We don't know yet. We'll see how he feels."

First baseman Ryan Zimmerman attended the Capitals playoff game Monday night and led cheers before the puck dropped. Today he says he is making steady progress as he rehabs a right oblique strain. Zimmerman has been out since May 10.

"Good. Things are getting better," Zimmerman said. "Just kind of slowly, gradually making our way. Hopefully, we'll have some updates with some stuff, but everything seems to be going well."

Martinez spoke to Zimmerman pregame to get a progress report as well.

"He says he feels a little better every day," Martinez said. Until he feels like he's ready, he's got to continue to rehab. He's progressing. We'll just go from there."