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Miami Marlins' Michael Morse 'always just about winning'

Morse's slow start has resulted in Justin Bour receiving starting time.

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Miami signed Michael Morse to be its starting first baseman but after a slow start Morse has been replaced in the starting lineup. After not starting on Tuesday, Morse has been out of the lineup in three of the last four contests, however according to Manny Navarro of the Miami Herald, Morse is not concerned.

"I'm always just about winning and I'm happy for anybody that gets a chance to play -- especially [Justin] Bour," Morse said. "He's swinging the bat awesome. [Monday] that [go-ahead] home run [in the seventh inning] was big for us. Even if I was in there today I'd probably run into manager's office and tell them 'Better play that guy.' Like I said, I'm all about winning man."

Morse, 33, has posted a .193/.253/.284 batting line in 23 games to open the 2015 campaign. He was coming off of a .279/.336/.475 season in 2014, and the Marlins felt he would add a power bat  to complement that of Giancarlo Stanton. Although Justin Bour has seen starting time at first base, Morse likely should not be concerned. He batted .211 in April of 2011 but ended the year batting .303 and having driven in 95 runs.

Bour is not expected to be the Marlins' starter moving forward, and Navarro adds Manager Mike Redmond is taking a day-to-day approach. However, while Morse receives a few days off, Bour continues to thrive. He batted .284 in 39 games with the Marlins last season but once Morse's bat warms up, Bour may be out of a roster spot. Miami does not appear open to a platoon situation at first base most notably after trading Garrett Jones to New York last winter.

While the Marlins were impressed with his power ability to anchor a lineup, the club was also fond of Morse's veteran presence. Morse is not disappointed about his lack of starting time, and that could prove to be beneficial moving forward. Redmond has been consistent with regard to giving his starters days off, and if the Marlins are poised to make a playoff run, giving Bour the experience and Morse the time out of the lineup may be beneficial.

Miami is inching closer to five-hundred and the squad's focus is on winning. Without Morse, the lineup has been able to produce. But once he begins to have success, the entire Marlins' lineup will likely benefit.