Michael Morse: The Washington Nationals Need the Slugger to Return ASAP

Initial reports on Michael Morse suggested that he would be able to return some time in June, while the slugger's own comments suggest that he'll be ready to go by June 1.

If he's healthy, then the Washington Nationals need to get him back on June 1. The offense has been struggling mightily lately, and the pop that he'll be able to provide will definitely prove helpful.

In Friday night's game against Baltimore, Edwin Jackson tossed a gem. He went eight innings while allowing just one run.

Unfortunately, the Nationals were only able to score one run as well, so he was given a no-decision.

The Baltimore Orioles ended up winning in the 11th on a Nick Markakis homer.

Starts like Jackson's should never go wasted, although this isn't the first time it's happened in Washington this season.

The pitching staff is fantastic, but the offense generally fails to hit when it counts.

There's no doubt that the addition of Morse can help that problem. Last season, he broke out in a huge way, putting together a line of .303/.360/.550 with 31 home runs and 95 RBI.

Throw those numbers into the middle of a lineup that already features a scorching hot Adam LaRoche, a consistent threat in Ryan Zimmerman and a young up-and-comer in Bryce Harper, and the Nationals would appear to be set in the offensive category.

With Morse back in the lineup, the Nationals will continue to roll and win games against the National League's toughest teams—a category in which their team is now being tossed around.