What happens when Mike Morse returns?

Now playing with Class AAA Syracuse, outfielder-first baseman Mike Morse has healed from the calf strain that landed him on the disabled list during the first week of the season. "I'm sure he's ready to go," Manager Jim Riggleman said.

In eight games with Syracuse, Morse has gone 8 for 29 with a home run, a double and five walks.

Since Morse is out of options, he will likely rejoin the Nationals once his rehab is up so the organization does not risk losing him, Riggleman said. Rehab assignments can last a maximum of 20 days, and since Morse played his first Class AAA game April 28, the deadline for him to come back to the Nationals is May 18.

"You get in a situation where you've got to make some tough calls," Riggleman said. "He's a guy that we would probably fear putting through waivers and all that. He's a kind of a guy that can do several things on the field. The likelihood is that when his rehab is up, he'll be with us, if not before that."