Michael Morse Injury: X-Rays Negative On Nationals Outfielder, According To Report

The Washington Nationals appear to have dodged a major injury bullet after Friday night's 4-2 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Outfielder Michael Morse left the game in the top of the first inning after he was hit in the right hand by a Kyle Kendrick fastball. Morse was replaced in left field and in the cleanup spot in the lineup by Roger Bernadina, who went 1-for-2 with a walk and a strikeout.

X rays negative on Morse's hand. Probably miss a few days.

— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) August 25, 2012

The Nationals were also without Ian Desmond, who was a last-minute scratch from the Washington lineup with what manager Davey Johnson called a "mild hamstring strain." According to CSN Washington Nationals Insider Mark Zuckerman, the plan is for Desmond to sit out the rest of the weekend series in Philadelphia, which would likely mean Danny Espinosa filling in at shortstop and Steve Lombardozzi getting time at second base.

For more on the Nats, check out Federal Baseball, and stick around SB Nation DC for more updates on the team's weekend series.

Michael Morse Injury: Nationals Outfielder Leaves Friday's Game After Being Hit By Pitch

Nationals outfielder Michael Morse left Friday's game in the first inning with a hand injury.