FOX Sports' Jon Paul Morosi reports that the Mariners are open to trading for Michael Morse. It would be a homecoming of sorts for Morse, who made his major league debut with the club in 2005. He was eventually traded to the Nationals in 2009 for outfielder Ryan Langherans. The M's are willing to deal prospects to land a bat, but Morse will only likely be dealt if the Nats can re-sign Adam LaRoche.

A league source told MASN's Dan Kolko that it's more likely the Nationals will land another starting pitcher by trading Michael Morse than by signing someone in free agency. ESPN's Jayson Stark reported last week that the Nationals are "definitely shopping Morse," and GM Mike Rizzo will get a chance to gauge teams' interest at the Winter Meetings. Morse has been highly-productive over the last two seasons and will make just $6.75 million in 2013. The Nationals would likely be forced to start Tyler Moore at first base if Morse is traded. Free agent Adam LaRoche is holding out for a three-year contract.

Jayson Stark of ESPN.com was told by an American League executive that the Nationals are "definitely shopping Micheal Morse a little bit." The Nats are wisely trying to gauge teams' interest in Morse in case they end up trading him if they're able to re-sign Adam LaRoche. If they're not able to bring back LaRoche, Morse will stay put and play first base. Morse is injury-prone and his production fell back some in 2012, but he would figure to draw some trade interest.

Michael Morse hit a two-run homer off Jonathan Papelbon and doubled twice Wednesday against the Phillies. The Nationals have to be encouraged to see Morse enter the postseason hot. He hit four homers in his final six games after collecting 14 in his first 96 games.

Michael Morse launched a grand slam in the top of the first inning Saturday in St. Louis and the Nationals went on to beat the Cardinals in extras. Morse's first-inning shot barely cleared the right field wall at Busch Stadium, so the umpires reviewed it then had the Nationals slugger mimic a swing at home plate to start a simulation of all four runners scoring. It was a truly odd sight. Washington is now 96-62, with a four-game lead over the Braves in the National League East standings.

Michael Morse blasted a pair of home runs and drove home four, leading the Nationals to a 7-3 victory over the Phillies in Philadelphia on Thursday. He finished the evening 2-for-4 with two runs and the aforementioned four RBI. Morse belted a solo shot off Tyler Cloyd in the second inning, pulling the Nats to within one at 3-2. He then came through with an RBI single in the fifth inning to give them a 4-3 lead, and increased that advantage with a two-run blast off Cloyd in the sixth. He's having another extremely productive offensive season, hitting .292 with 16 homers and 56 RBI in just 386 at-bats.

Michael Morse (hand) is back in the Nationals' starting lineup Tuesday. Morse sat out Monday's game in order to receive treatment on his hand. He might get some more rest once the Nats clinch the division, but it shouldn't be an issue come playoff time.

Nationals manager Davey Johnson said Michael Morse got treatment for his hand on Monday. Johnson said Morse may have received a shot, though it's not clear which hand needed treatment. He has dealt with issues with both hands recently. Either way, Morse feels ready to play, so it's not a major concern for the Nats.

Michael Morse is not in the Nationals' starting lineup for Monday's series finale with the Brewers. Morse is expected to get regular days off down the stretch to rest his bruised left wrist for the postseason. He's batting .288/.321/.445 with 14 homers and 52 RBI in 94 games this year for first-place Washington.

Michael Morse went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in Wednesday's loss to the Dodgers. Both of Morse's hits came in the Nationals' sixth-run eighth. With the Nats trailing 6-0, Morse took Josh Beckett deep for a leadoff home run before roping a two-run single nine batters later. Washington would still go on to lose 7-6, however. Now batting .287/.316/.450 on the year, Morse had just one home run in 12 September contests entering the second half of today's double-header.