Miami finding ways to start both Morse, Bour
Club to take advantage of DH in short term; activated slugger likely to play first, possibly OF
CHICAGO -- Having Michael Morse back on the roster is the first step for the Marlins, but his arrival now creates a crowded situation at first base.
The challenge now for manager Dan Jennings is figuring out ways to have Morse and Justin Bour together in the starting lineup. It won't be an issue beginning on Tuesday at Boston, because they will be using the designated hitter at Fenway Park.
"We're going to use [Morse] at first base," Jennings said. "Going to Boston, we'll have the option to DH one of those guys."
Morse was reinstated from the disabled list on Sunday after he has been out since May 26 with a right ring finger sprain.
With Giancarlo Stanton (broken left hand) on the disabled list for about a month, the Marlins are thin on power threats. Bour has picked up the pace, and he continues to get the bulk of the playing time at first.
The left-handed hitter has 10 homers, and he started on Sunday in the series finale against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Video: MIA@CHC: Bour belts fourth homer in past four games
"It would be real nice to have those two power bats, lefty-right, that's huge," Jennings said.
Along with first base, Morse could see time in the outfield, where he has played each corner spot in his career. One scenario is an occasional start in left field, with Christian Yelich moving to center and Marcell Ozuna going to right.
Ichiro Suzuki has struggled, and Cole Gillespie started in right on Sunday. Jeff Baker is another outfield option.
"We might even look at a little outfield play with Baker and Morse," Jennings said. "There are some options there. I'm just glad to have the bat back, and that power threat back, available to us."
Morse was set to be reinstated from the DL a week ago, but he tweaked his back. At the time, he was winding down a rehab assignment with Triple-A New Orleans.
The back issue was minor. But to make sure he was good to go, Morse played in two Class A Advanced Jupiter games.
"It was something I didn't plan on," Morse said of the back. "I'm over it now, so I'm ready to go."
In all, Morse had 38 at-bats during his rehab assignment, and he hit .263 with one home run and four RBIs.
Morse got off to a slow start with Miami, batting .211 with two homers and 10 RBIs in 37 games.
"I'll just be ready when they call on me," Morse said.