Mariners send Morse to DL with lingering quad issue

SEATTLE -- The Mariners on Saturday placed Michael Morse on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Friday. While pinch-hitting against the Angels on Thursday, the 31-year-old slugger said he felt pain in his right leg. He has seen limited action since straining his right quad on May 28 against San Diego.

Morse, who appeared in 11 of the Mariners' past 23 games, saw occasional time as a designated hitter, pinch-hitter, and first baseman. His ability to play through the injury was crucial for the Mariners, with players such as Justin Smoak and Franklin Gutierrez recovering from their own ailments. But playing through the pain has come at a price for Morse, who saw his OPS fall from .799 in April to .774 in May and .653 in June.

"For him to suck it up and try to get through it was great, but we did feel like he was going to progress better than he did," manager Eric Wedge said. "But ultimately he didn't, so I think the best thing for him and for us in regard to the season is to shut him down and get him healthy."

Wedge also said that he expected Morse to take a rehabilitation assignment in Triple-A Tacoma before returning to Seattle.

"Obviously we've got to get him healthy first, but I think if we sent him down for two or three days, three or four days, it'll be a good thing," Wedge said.

Morse is batting .251 with 11 home runs and 23 RBIs in 56 games this season.