Washington Nationals: Michael Morse Plasma Injection, Drew Storen Sent for Tests

The Washington Nationals have been dealing with injuries all spring and are hoping that their season is not dictated by injuries to their star players.

Outfielder Michael Morse has only played three games this spring as he has been hindered with a right lat strain. Mark Zuckerman reported that manager Davey Johnson revealed Thursday that Morse received a platelet rich plasma injection and is unlikely for Opening Day.

The Nationals hope that Morse, who hit 31 home runs, 36 doubles, and 95 RBI last season, is not out for an extended period of time when the season begins. Steven Lombardozzi and Mark DeRosa will be in the running to fill in for Morse if he can not start on Opening Day.

Washington is also concerned with closer Drew Storen.

According to Dan Kolko, Storen, who had 43 saves in 2011, has been suffering "typical pitching soreness" as described by general manager Mike Rizzo on March 20.

The general soreness has now turned into discomfort in his bicep and triceps that has warranted further tests on Storen. MASNSports.com reported that Davey Johnson is being cautious with Storen's situation:

"

Storen is getting further tests on his condition on his arm and he's still had small discomfort when he threw on the side. His arm is in tremendous shape. His velocity, his movement. He threw a lot of innings last year. With him, I want to make sure he's 100 percent healthy and he doesn't do too much, because he's going to be my closer. We're just going to be very cautious on him.

"

The combination of Tyler Clippard and Storen can be lethal to Nationals' opponents this season but both have to be healthy to be effective.

Hopefully for 24-year-old Storen and the Nationals the soreness is nothing more and he can resume his spring sooner rather than later.

The Nationals will hold their breath with two of their key players.

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