Morse has failed to get a hit in eight at-bats this season, and given the Pirates multitude of options at first base and the corner outfield positions, he was deemed to be expendable when the Pirates wanted to get pitcher A.J. Schugel to the majors. Morse can reject the assignment and become a free agent rather than spend more time in the minors, which could be an appealing option if teams looking for some pop at first base are willing to give him another chance.
