Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Morse could return Friday



MIAMI -- Having successfully made it through his first rehab game at Class A Potomac, Michael Morse could be on target to return to the Nationals lineup as soon as Friday.

Manager Davey Johnson said Morse (out since early March with a torn lat muscle) has been making throws from the outfield during pregame drills and will likely start in the outfield for Potomac tomorrow night after serving as designated hitter again tonight.

Morse made two plate appearances during last night's rain-shortened game in Woodbridge, walking once and striking out once.

"The timing's a little off, but other than that he feels fit and ready to go," Johnson said. "So his timetable will probably be [sped] up. We'll see how he does today and tomorrow, but he could be back in D.C. soon."

Asked if that means it's possible Morse could come off the disabled list in time for Friday's homestand opener against the Braves, Johnson replied: "I'd say it's an outside possibility."

There was some thought Morse might only be available to hit for a while upon his return and would thus serve as DH for next weekend's interleague series in Boston. But Johnson said today he won't hesitate to put Morse in the lineup as soon as he returns.

"I'd throw him right out there," the manager said. "If he's able to go, I'll throw him right in the lineup. He might connect and hit one hard. And it would be a welcome addition. ... Why waste the at-bats in Potomac?"

When Morse does return, don't be surprised if he does so at different position than originally planned. Steve Lombardozzi's emergence as a viable leadoff hitter and left fielder will probably convince Johnson to move Morse to right field and slide Bryce Harper to center field.

10 comments:

MicheleS said...

Hurry back BEAST!!! Stay Healthy!!!

Doc said...

If his bat is working from the get-go, he'll make all the other bats better--including RZim's.

Hard to believe that The Face has only 2 HRs at this stage!!!!

SonnyG10 said...

Now that's a great idea...putting Morse in RF and keeping Lombo in left

Gonat said...

SonnyG10 said...
Now that's a great idea...putting Morse in RF and keeping Lombo in left

May 30, 2012 6:27 PM
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Why not Lombo at 2nd and put Morse in LF, Brown in CF and Harp in RF

Brother Juniper said...

Won't LF be less taxing on the arm of the Beast until he gets up to strength?

UnkyD said...

Right there with you, Gonat...

JaneB said...

I thought left field was less taxing, too. We want him to throw but mainly we want him to do that cobra coiled thing and then smack the ball around. And I can't wait to see his smiling face as he whacks his helmet back down when he runs the bases. Hurry home, Michael!

Anonymous said...

Nats vs Miami..Nats have runners on 2nd and third one out. Clean-up and fifth batter strike out. These guys aren't worth watching any more.

Anonymous said...

Oops....1st and second. That's how frustrated it gets me.

peric said...

Maybe Davey, you should consider doing that with Corey Brown since he was actually on a better tear than Morse was two years ago in Syracuse and before that PCL?

WTF Davey!?

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