Bryan Morris returning to Miami with hip injury

ANAHEIM -- Bryan Morris is returning to Miami to have his right hip examined, a potentially devastating injury for the Marlins if it causes the reliever to miss extended time.

Morris, who was seen leaving the team's clubhouse in street clothes on Tuesday as the Marlins were beginning to take batting practice, informed club officials that he was experiencing discomfort in his hip.

"We're going to get it checked out, so I don't want to jump to any conclusions," said Michael Hill, the Marlins' president of baseball operations. "But, at the moment, I don't think it's anything major."

Morris, who last pitched in Colorado on Saturday, has arguably been the Marlins' top reliever ever since being acquired from the Pirates in June. In 35 appearances for the Marlins, Morris is 3-0 with a 0.48 ERA. He has allowed only two earned runs in 37 2/3 innings.

"Obviously, he's been a big part of our bullpen success," Hill said.

Hill said the Marlins had no immediate plans to promote anyone from the minors, but that could change.

"With the off day (on Thursday), we have (Brad) Penny and (Brad) Hand that can move to the pen," Hill said. "And then rosters expand Monday. If we can avoid not doing anything, we will. But if we need to get another arm here, obviously we will. I hope it's only a couple of days."