Morse says broken finger isn't reason for slump

SEATTLE -- Michael Morse conceded that he's not fully recovered from a fractured right little finger, but he said the injury has little to do with the fact that he's slumped of late and is batting .231 with 24 strikeouts.

"It's not an excuse or anything," Morse said. "I'm not producing because of me, not my finger. I don't look for excuses."

On Thursday night, Mariners manager Eric Wedge gave Morse a night off, starting Jason Bay in left field and recent callup Carlos Peguero in right.

"We felt like from yesterday morning to tomorrow night is the greatest amount of time we can give him to try to help it improve," Wedge said. "He still feels it, but it's improving. It's going to take some time."

Morse pointed out that he usually begins seasons slowly. This year, he's already got six home runs and 10 RBIs.

"I already have career records in April for everything I've done," Morse said with a smile. "I look at it like I'm having a good April."