masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgNEW YORK – Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette isn’t certain whether Michael Morse will join the club in New York tonight or later in the series that concludes on Sunday.

“We’re working on that now,” Duquette said. “We’re working on the logistics.”

The Orioles acquired Morse from the Mariners this afternoon for Triple-A Norfolk outfielder Xavier Avery. The Orioles were awarded the waiver claim on Morse two days ago.

“Morse has a big, physical presence and has some power,…NEW YORK – Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette isn’t certain whether Michael Morse will join the club in New York tonight or later in the series that concludes on Sunday.

“We’re working on that now,” Duquette said. “We’re working on the logistics.”

The Orioles acquired Morse from the Mariners this afternoon for Triple-A Norfolk outfielder Xavier Avery. The Orioles were awarded the waiver claim on Morse two days ago.

“Morse has a big, physical presence and has some power, and hopefully he can bounce back and have a good month,” Duquette said. “He has experience and he’s been to the playoffs. Those are all good things.”

The Orioles also were awarded a waiver claim on outfielder Josh Willingham, but the Twins were asking for too much in return, including Double-A Bowie pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez. Morse came cheaper, since he’s a pending free agent, and he fills the need for a right-handed bat.

“I think there’s a fit on our ballclub for Morse,” Duquette said. “He likes the area, having been here the last couple of years (with the Nationals). He’s from the East Coast. I just think it’s a little bit better fit for us to add Morse right now.”

Morse will wear No. 38.

Avery was a second-round pick in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft. LJ Hoes was a third-round pick that year. They’ve both been traded this summer.

Duquette doesn’t expect the Orioles to make any more deals before Saturday night’s deadline to set playoff rosters.

Duquette also said the Orioles signed veteran first baseman Dan Johnson, 34, to a minor league contract and will assign him to Norfolk. Johnson appeared in 14 games with the White Sox last season and also has played for the Athletics and Rays. He recently opted out of his Triple-A contract with the Yankees after batting .253/.379/.447 with 26 doubles, 21 homers and 69 RBIs in 133 games.

“He’s an experienced left-handed bat and he gives us a little more depth first base and DH,” Duquette said.