Wire Taps: Daniel Murphy on-field BP; walk-off practice + more Washington Nationals news...

Daniel Murphy took batting practice on the field for the first time on Saturday. Erick Fedde impressed in his start against the Astros. Dave Martinez had the Nationals practicing their walk-off home run trots...

It was quite a day in West Palm Beach, FL, and this afternoon Washington is on MASN as Tanner Roark takes on the St. Louis Cardinals in Grapefruit League action from the Nats’ Spring Training home.

While you wait for the start of the game, catch up on the last 24 hours in Nationals news...

NATS BEAT:

Nationals' Daniel Murphy hit on the field for first time since surgery
"Murphy is still a long way from ready and unlikely to be there by Opening Day. He is fielding balls only hit right at him..."

Nats Daniel Murphy hits first batting practice
"The Nationals have treated Murphy carefully this spring as he rehabs from his right knee surgery, but all along Opening Day has been the goal."

Nationals star Murphy takes first on-field BP of the spring
"Washington Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy didn’t experience any issues during his first on-field batting practice of the spring on Saturday."

Washington Nationals prospect Andrew Stevenson benefits from work on his swing
"Stevenson always had a somewhat unorthodox swing and setup, so fundamental it was almost robotic — which isn’t necessarily a compliment..."

Astros grab 1-0 lead on Fedde, Nationals (Nats, Astros tie 2-2)
"What’s that old baseball adage about spring and September statistics being fool’s gold?"

Strong effort vs. Astros may earn Fedde a longer look
"Erick Fedde may have earned himself a longer look from the new Nationals coaching staff."

Dave Martinez has Washington Nationals work on walk-off celebrations
"Spring training is a time for practicing the little things. On Saturday in Nationals camp, that meant rehearsing walk-off home runs."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Braves' Ronald Acuna leads prospects Saturday
"Nationals No. 4 prospect Erick Fedde was solid in his second spring start, tossing three innings of one-run ball against the Nationals."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Braves' Mike Foltynewicz having strong spring
"Through three spring starts, the pitching line for Braves right-hander Mike Foltynewicz reads like a brilliant complete game."

Marlins Justin Bour cautious with back spasms
"Justin Bour took batting practice on Saturday morning, but due to back spasms, he was scratched from the lineup..."

Rosario feels better, Dominic Smith likely back to minors
"Amed Rosario wasted no time proving he was healthy Saturday."

Phillies looking to contend in postseason
"Gabe Kapler's 'Be Bold' mantra has appeared in more than just his first talk before his team's first workout last month."