NEW YORK — The Nationals activated second baseman Daniel Murphy before their game on Tuesday night in New York against the Yankees.

Murphy, in his third season with the Nationals, has not played this season after undergoing knee surgery in October. To make room for him on the 25-man roster, infielder Adrian Sanchez was sent to Triple-A Syracuse.

Murphy was in the starting lineup, batting fifth as the designated hitter.

A left-handed hitter from Florida, Murphy was a star for the New York Mets in the 2015 World Series. Last season, he hit .322 with 43 doubles, three triples and 23 home runs. He is in the final season of a three-year deal with the Nationals.

Murphy played in 10 rehab games with Double-A Harrisburg, where he hit .243 in 37 at-bats.

The Nationals entered Tuesday tied for first in the National League East with the Atlanta Braves.

“There is still a lot of baseball left,” Murphy said. “It is exciting to get back. I really can’t predict how I will feel.”

Martinez felt “really, really good” about writing down Murphy ’s name in the lineup.

Nationals manager Dave

“We have to definitely have open lines of communication,” Martinez said. “He has to be totally honest with me. I will be honest with him. We want him to play the rest of the year.”

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