Michael Morse was pulled from Monday's game against the Cubs with soreness in his right thumb. Morse struck out in his one at-bat before departing. He's battled soreness in his hand for over two weeks and could need an extended period of rest to finally get over it.

Michael Morse (hand) is back in the Nationals' starting lineup on Tuesday against the Marlins. Morse suffered a nasty bruise when he was struck on the right hand by a pitch Friday evening. But X-rays turned up negative and he should be fine going forward. Ian Desmond (knee, hamstring) is also back in action.

Michael Morse said he expects to return to the lineup Tuesday against the Marlins. Morse will avoid the disabled list after x-rays to his right hand came back negative. The Nationals have an off-day Monday, so Morse will only end up missing two games.

Mike Morse has left Friday's game against the Phillies in the first inning after getting drilled on his right hand by a Kyle Kendrick fastball. Morse looked to be in significant pain and was immediately tended to by trainers. He was lifted for pinch-runner Roger Bernadina and will undoubtedly head for x-rays shortly.

Mike Morse blasted a grand slam on Friday, powering the Nationals to a 6-4 victory over the visiting Mets. Morse finished the night 1-for-4, but that one hit was the biggest blow of the game. After Johan Santana had retired the first nine hitters, the Nationals started the fourth inning with three straight singles, and Morse followed with a mammoth blast to right field, unloading the bases and putting the Nationals on top to stay. The Beast is now hitting an impressive .303 with 12 homers and 44 RBI through his first 67 games.

Michael Morse (thumb) is back in the Nationals' starting lineup Wednesday. Morse was held out of the lineup Tuesday after leaving Monday's game with a jammed right thumb. It shouldn't be an issue moving forward.

Michael Morse (thumb) said he'll be back in the Nationals' lineup Wednesday. Morse was unable to finish Monday's game and is sitting out Tuesday due to a jammed right thumb, but it sounds like it's no big deal. The 30-year-old is batting .301/.324/.477 with 11 homers over 65 games this season.

Michael Morse (thumb) is not in the Nationals' lineup Tuesday. Morse jammed his right thumb in batting practice before Monday's game and ended up leaving the contest in the middle of the game. It doesn't sound like a big deal, but the Nats are playing it safe with the slugger.

Michael Morse jammed his right thumb in batting practice before Monday's defeat of the Giants. It's why he made an early exit from Washington's 14-2 blowout victory. Morse expects to play Tuesday night.

Mike Morse swatted a pair of home runs and drove home three, powering the Nationals to an impressive 5-0 victory over the Astros on Thursday. Morse launched his first solo shot off Mickey Storey in the sixth inning, then tagged Fernando Rodriguez with another in the eighth frame. He also added a sacrifice fly earlier in the contest. The 30-year-old slugger is now hitting .303 with 10 homers and 37 RBI in just 61 games on the season.