Michael Morse Activated From DL
By Aaron Somers
Lost in the shuffle surrounding Friday’s rainout, the Washington Nationals made a fairly significant roster move prior to when the game was slated to start when they activated left fielder Michael Morse from the disabled list. Outfielder Corey Brown was sent back to Triple-A Syracuse to make room on the active roster.
Morse has been missed from the Nationals lineup this year, as he was easily the team’s most feared offensive force last season. Early in Spring Training he felt some discomfort in his right shoulder making throws from the outfield, which ultimately prompted the team to shut him down for a few weeks even though it meant he would miss Opening Day. A setback or two later and suddenly we’re at the start of June and Morse is only now returning. Swinging a bat was never a problem, but given the shoulder pain he was unable to play the field.
However, after being activated Friday afternoon Morse was quickly inserted into the starting lineup for Saturday’s game, batting 5th and playing right field. He was 0 for 4 at the plate but it was still a pleasant surprise for Nationals fans as it was believed he was still a week away from returning.
Brown will go back to Syracuse where he can continue to play everyday. He appeared in only 3 games, receiving just 4 plate appearances during his short stint in the Major Leagues. During the Marlins series he did drive in his first career run with a sacrifice fly. Prior to being called up, however, he had been hitting .297/.399/.584 with 12 HR and 30 RBI over 218 plate appearances.