Morse likely out for season with concussion

WASHINGTON -- Michael Morse will likely miss the rest of the season from the concussion he sustained on May 29, Giants manager Bruce Bochy said.
The injury occurred when Morse collided with Jeff Samardzija when tempers flared between Hunter Strickland and Bryce Harper in San Francisco. The 35-year-old will travel to Miami on Tuesday during the Giants' series with the Marlins to be evaluated.
At the time of his injury, Morse was struggling, posting a .194/.250/.306 slash line with 14 strikeouts and three walks in 24 games. Morse has hit .274 over his 13-year career, but he hasn't remained healthy the past two seasons.
It's uncertain how productive Morse would've been if he returned, but he could've tried to help San Francisco's offense, which has scored the third-fewest runs in baseball. The Giants likely want to be cautious with him, as they entered Friday 36 games back of the Dodgers in the National League West.
Morse primarily served as a pinch-hitter, but he also played first base, which could've been beneficial with Brandon Belt on the DL (concussion).
Mark Melancon update
Melancon will likely be activated Saturday after landing on the DL with a right elbow injury June 28.
Melancon's status depends on how he feels after playing catch Friday. Bochy said he'll likely avoid using Melancon in a high-leverage situation during his first appearance back, but he wouldn't rule out using the right-hander late in the game.
"He feels like he's pitchable," Bochy said. "We feel like he can contribute in our bullpen. He can help out, and that's what he wants to do."
In 22 appearances this year, Melancon has notched a 4.35 ERA while going 11-for-15 in save opportunities. The 32-year-old recorded an ERA below 2.30 in each of his four seasons before entering this campaign, including three with an ERA under 2.00. He'll have a chance this weekend to face the Nationals, whom he played with during the second half of last season.
Melancon looked good in two of his Minor League outings with Class A Advanced San Jose, but the other didn't go as well, when he allowed four earned runs over two-thirds of an inning.
Worth noting
• Johnny Cueto played catch on the field Friday afternoon before the Giants' game vs. the Nationals, as he's rehabbing the right mild flexor strain he endured Aug. 1.
• Bochy said Miguel Gómez is "doing a lot better" from the right knee injury he sustained Tuesday, telling the manager he could outrun him.