Morse on 15-day DL, Marlins recall Urena to start vs. Pirates
The Miami Marlins placed first baseman Michael Morse on the 15-day disabled list (retroactive May 24) with a right finger sprain, recalling right-hander Jose Urena in the process to start Tuesday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Morse, who is hitting just .211 with four runs, four doubles, two homers and 10 RBI in 37 games, last started on Wednesday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He has disappointed so far this season since signing a two-year free agent contract over the winter following a World Series title with the San Francisco Giants.
The 33-year-old hasn't hit a homer since April 18 and has driven in just two runs all month. Miami envisioned him as the cleanup hitter in the lineup to protect slugger Giancarlo Stanton.
Urena, one of the organization's top prospects, will make his first major-league start on Tuesday. In two relief appearances in April, he posted a 9.00 ERA. In his debut on April 14, he tossed a scoreless inning in Atlanta. Four days later, he surrendered three runs on three hits over two frames against the Mets in New York.
The 23-year-old righty has gone 4-0 with a 1.21 ERA in six starts for Triple-A New Orleans, posting the lowest mark in the Pacific Coast League.
Who starts Wednesday's finale in Pittsburgh is still to be determined. Miami has four starting pitchers on the DL: Mat Latos (left knee inflammation), Henderson Alvarez (right shoulder inflammation), Jarred Cosart (vertigo) and Jose Fernandez (Tommy John surgery).
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
