Mets' Daniel Murphy suffers side injury

New York Mets infielder Daniel Murphy has sustained a side injury that could keep him out for up to a week, reports Andy Martino of The New York Daily News.

Murphy is heading back to New York for tests on his injured side. General manager Sandy Alderson estimates the ailment will keep the infielder out for about a week.

While missing a week wouldn't necessarily be a huge setback this time of year, side injuries can take much longer to recover from. Teams often grimace at the mention of oblique injuries, which we've seen sideline players for up to a month and beyond. Players including Victor Martinez, Evan Longoria, Curtis Granderson and Ryan Zimmerman have all been impacted by oblique injuries in recent years.

Murphy was the Mets' regular second baseman last season, hitting .291/.332/.403 with 40 doubles, six home runs and 10 stolen bases in 12 attempts.

Prior to 2012, Murphy had been a utility player for the Mets, manning first, second and third base as well as left field. Over parts of four seasons in New York, the 27-year-old owns a career batting line of .292/.339/.427.

If the injury proves to be more significant, the Mets currently have Justin Turner, a former regular contributor for New York, and Jordany Valdespin listed as reserves at second base.