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Associated Press photo Michael Morse left tonight's game after getting hit in the right hand. |
PHILADELPHIA -- The Nationals were breathing a sigh of relief following tonight's series finale against the Phillies after X-rays taken of Michael Morse's right hand came back negative, and the cleanup hitter was diagnosed with only a bad bruise after getting hit by a pitch in the first inning.
Morse was in serious pain after taking Kyle Kendrick's changeup off the outside of his right hand, dropping to a knee and grimacing as trainer Mike McGowan took off his batting glove and examined him.
"Any time you get hit in the hands, it's kind of nerve-wracking," he said. "But, you know, X-rays came out negative and stuff, so I should be all right."
Though they were relieved to know their No. 4 hitter isn't seriously injured, the Nationals don't expect Morse back in the lineup for at least a day or two. He hadn't tried to grip a bat yet shortly after the game ended.
"He's got a bad bruise," manager Davey Johnson said. "But hopefully he'll be all right in a few short days."
Morse missed the first two months of the season with a torn lat muscle, an injury that was initially supposed to sideline him only a couple of days. In 72 games since, his return the 30-year-old outfielder is hitting .286 with 12 homers, 45 RBI and a .459 slugging percentage.
Unlike that spring training injury, Morse is cautiously optimistic he'll be able to return in short order.
"Yeah, I'm hoping this time, not like last time," he said.
Roger Bernadina took over Morse's spot in the lineup and in left field. If Morse needs to miss any time, Johnson would probably use a combination of Bernadina, Steve Lombardozzi and Tyler Moore in left field.
6 comments:
A contusion, even if it's a non-fracture, can still take months to heal and leave lingering pain. No combination of Bernadina, Lombardozzi and Moore will be able to replace the production and protection Morse brings to the lineup. If his season is indeed over, then I would not be surprised if the team goes outside the system for a power bat (Soriano, Francoeur, Bay are among the possibilities) to fill his shoes for the immediate term.
Man, I hope this is a quick healing contusion with no fracture. I am worried that they took the X-ray and didn't SAY, "No fracture." What does that mean?
There are just so many small bones in that area, I would think they would need a hand expert to read that x-ray before announcing anything. I would not panic here and go outside for help. C. Brown would actually improve our defense and its not like we have never been in this position before.
Peric has told us way too many times that Rizzo/Johnson are all about developing young talent so going out now for any of those mentioned above would be a huge change from what we have done this whole season.
Not happy with this game for lots of reasons, although Jackson seems to have made huge changes in these last two innings.
Go Nats
Got to learn how to hold that bat Michael. Try to get back for the playoffs.
Peric has told us way too many times that Rizzo/Johnson are all about developing young talent so going out now for any of those mentioned above would be a huge change from what we have done this whole season.
Like carnival barker Stan is doing in LA? Look how those players helped Boston?
Thanks for that SJM.
Mostly I say it because people are getting impatient not realizing just how young most all of this team truly is. But so talented they managed to jump into first place with around 40 left to play! Amazing. And so talented they will be good-to-go for the next 5 or more easy. But right now they are still very young and they will make mistakes like Espinosa did tonight on that steal in the ninth inning. Harper will make mistakes, Desmond will make mistakes. Ramos (when he gets back) will make mistakes. Rendon when he makes it up soon will make mistakes.
But, as we've seen with Desmond and before him Zim it will get better count on it.
Oof, hope he'll be okay.
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