Michael Morse (lat) is scheduled to being playing in extended spring training games Friday. Morse should be cleared to begin a minor league rehab assignment at some point next week and is currently on track to return from the disabled list during the first week of June. The Nats slugger has been out of commission since the end of spring training with a torn lat muscle.

Michael Morse (lat) traveled to the Nationals' complex in Viera, Florida on Monday to continue his rehab process. Morse recently began baseball activities after being shut down in April with a torn right lat muscle. He's scheduled to hit on Tuesday and could soon begin playing in extended spring training games. If all goes well, he could be activated from the disabled list in the first week of June.

Michael Morse (lat) made 60 throws Wednesday. It was the first time Morse had picked up a baseball in several weeks. "I haven't been throwing, so it was kind of like a monkey riding a bike," he told reporters after the workout. Morse is aiming to make his 2012 regular-season debut in early June.

Michael Morse (lat) hit in the indoor batting cage Tuesday without incident. Morse plans to hit and throw every other day as he ramps up his rehab from a torn right lat muscle. He hopes to make it back in time to serve as the DH for an interleague series against the Red Sox on June 8.

Michael Morse said he's "right where I'm supposed to be" in his recovery from a lat strain. Morse is three weeks into a six-week period of shutdown mode, but "feels good" and is hoping to be activated in early June to DH during interleague games. "I lift and train the other side of my body," he said. "But now, I just have to let it heal. They say it's kind of like glue. If you don't let it set and keep picking at it, it's not going to heal."

Michael Morse will be shut down for the next six weeks after aggravating his lat strain this week. Tough news for the Nationals, who were hoping to have Morse in the starting lineup for Thursday's home opener against the Reds. Now it's looking like the 30-year-old slugger could be sidelined until mid-to-late June. Mark DeRosa, Xavier Nady and Roger Bernadina will continue sharing playing time in left field for Washington.

Nationals manager Davey Johnson said Wednesday that Dr. James Andrews will evaluate test results on Michael Morse's right lat injury. Morse has been shut down indefinitely after feeling discomfort while making throws during a rehab game Monday. We should learn more about his status within the next few days.

Michael Morse (lat) felt discomfort while making relay throws to the infield in a rehab game Monday evening and has been shut down indefinitely. It's a tough blow for the Nationals, who were hoping to have Morse in the starting lineup for Thursday's home opener. Now it's not a sure thing that he'll be back by the end of April. The 30-year-old slugger will be examined by team doctors Tuesday night and should be issued a new recovery timetable by the end of this week.

Mike Morse (lat) went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles and a run scored Monday in a minor league rehab game with High-A Hagerstown. Morse, who had his rehab assignment moved from Double-A Harrisburg, also played seven innings in left field. He's expected to play again Tuesday before coming off the disabled list for Thursday's home opener.

Michael Morse (lat) is scheduled to shift his minor league rehab assignment Monday to Single-A Hagerstown. Morse has been with Double-A Harrisburg since Thursday, but that squad is headed out on a road trip to Connecticut and the Nationals want to keep their slugger closer to home. He's eligible to return from the disabled list Tuesday and is expected to be in the starting lineup for Thursday's home opener. Rick Ankiel is also shifting his rehab assignment to the Single-A level.