Washington Nationals' Slugger Michael Morse out Indefinitely, Johnson Concerned

The Washington Nationals were looking to be big players in the National League this season. That goal might have just became a bit harder to obtain. Morse began feeling pain again in his strained right lat on Monday night, when he pulled himself after seven innings from the minor league game that he was rehabbing in.

Morse was looking to return to the lineup on Thursday in the Nats' home opener but that will not happen as he faces a potential major setback. Adam Kilgore reported that "Michael Morse felt soreness throwing last night, had to be re-examined by team docs. He's not playing Thursday. Out indefinitely."

This is one of the worst things that could have happened to the Nationals' ballclub this season.

An injury that GM Mike Rizzo originally said would sideline Morse a day has now turned into a month long injury with no end in sight.

The comments from Nats' manager Davey Johnson give fans numerous reasons to be worried. Morse was scheduled to play nine innings on Monday but could not do it, to which Johnson commented, "That really distresses me."

Johnson was asked when he thought Morse would return but he could not give any answers, “I wish I knew,” Johnson said. “I didn’t think it was even that serious. I was kind of looking forward to penciling him into the lineup on Thursday. That’s not going to happen. That concerns me.”

All signs point to a drawn out recovery for Morse. The injury will not resolve itself and persists to be a problem for Morse when he throws the ball.

The Nats' 30-year-old left-fielder had a remarkable season last year, hitting 31 home runs, 36 doubles and driving in 95 RBI.

Washington will have to keep their head above water while Morse works through yet another setback. When he returns, he will be a major factor in a potential Nationals' playoff run—hopefully it is sooner than later.

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