Marlins' Morrison will be slowed in spring due to knee rehab

The Miami Marlins are bracing for the likelihood that first baseman Logan Morrison might not be ready when spring training starts.

Morrison is still recovering from Sept. 5 surgery to his right knee, and he is not expected to start running for at least another month. Full squad workouts start Feb. 15.

"He wants to be ready for Opening Day and doesn't want to dwell or discuss the possibility that it may be in jeopardy," Morrison's agent, Fred Wray, said in a text message to The Palm Beach Post.

Morrison, 25, had surgery on the same knee twice in less than a year, including an initial procedure on Dec. 5, 2011.

He reported to spring training in 2012 on time but he was never 100 percent. He went on the disabled list July 29 with right knee inflammation and never returned.

Morrison played in 93 games, batting .230 with 11 home runs and 36 RBI.

Morrison, who has spent most of his offseason rehabbing in Colorado, did not return messages. However, he told MLB.com, "I won't be ready to go when spring training starts. Hopefully, it will be soon after that. But I'm going to wait until it's 100 percent and ready to go. I tried to battle through it last year, and it didn't work out too well for me."

For now, first base options on the Marlins' 40-man roster include Greg Dobbs and Joe Mahoney.