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Michael Morse is in right field for the Potomac Nationals tonight, hitting third in the P-Nats' lineup in his third game with the Nats' Class-A Carolina Leauge affiliate. The 30-year-old Nats' slugger is 3 for 6 so far on his rehab stint as he continues to work his way back from a lat issue which had kept him out of competitive action until this week. Despite rumors to the contrary this afternoon, no decision has been made on when he'll return to the majors, but the seven-year MLB vet told Potomac Nationals' radio announcer Tim Swartz today he thinks he's ready right now. "I think every day I'm getting a little bit better and better when it comes to my timing. I know my swing and I've played this game long enough that it's just a matter of a couple days and I'll feel normal. So, I mean, I'm pretty much there already, so it doesn't take long for me to get it back."
Nats' skipper Davey Johnson was excited about the possibility of Morse's bat returning to the lineup when he spoke to reporters yesterday and hinted that Morse could be back as soon as Friday night when the Nationals start a three-game series with the Atlanta Braves. From what both Johnson and D.C. GM Mike Rizzo have said in the last few days, the presumptive left fielder when Spring Training began might end up in right when he finally does return to the majors as part of a Steve Lombardozzi, Bryce Harper, Morse outfield. The last hurdle is Morse's ability to throw since he's said all along that he never had a problem swinging. As he explained again this afternoon, he feels 100% and is no longer having issues throwing. "It feels really good," Morse said, "I don't feel any pain. No discomfort. And my throwing... I guess, 'technique' is better than it's ever been. I guess there's a positive out of this whole thing, that I'm paying attention [to] my form and everything now. So, that's a plus."
• Listen to the entire interview here courtesy of the Potomac Nationals' official twitter (@PNats42). Morse also talks about Nats' hitting coach Rick Eckstein helping transform his swing; having to continue to prove that he's capable of playing at the major league level and working to get where he is now. Good stuff:
Michael Morse talks before tonight's game with Myrtle Beachsoundcloud.com/potomacnationa…
— Potomac Nationals (@PNats42) May 31, 2012
• If you're starved for baseball, you can listen to Morse play with the P-Nats at 7:05 pm EDT tonight. Here's a link to the audio.