Veteran Charlie Morton has had quite a forgettable year pitching this season. This very well could be the season he looks back on and realizes that retirement may need to happen. Things just haven’t gone his way. It all started in April when he was moved to the bullpen by the Baltimore Orioles.
“The Baltimore Orioles are moving scuffling right-hander Charlie Morton to the bullpen in an effort to get the two-time All-Star back on track,” ESPN wrote. “Morton, 41, is 0-6 with a 9.45 ERA in seven games (five starts) after signing a one-year, $15 million deal with the club in the offseason.”
At the trade deadline, Morton was given another chance. He was traded to the Detroit Tigers as a veteran piece for a team confident in making the playoffs.
“The Detroit Tigers acquired veteran right-handed starting pitcher Charlie Morton from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for a minor league pitcher, it was announced Thursday. He is the second rotation option added before the deadline by the Tigers, who acquired Chris Paddack from the Twins earlier this week,” ESPN wrote.
With the postseason looming and the Tigers in a position to make it, Detroit made a business decision. The Tigers designated Morton for assignment over the weekend.
“The Tigers have designated Charlie Morton for assignment. Morton had a 7.09 ERA through 9 starts after being acquired by Detroit at the trade deadline,” Fox Sports MLB posted.
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This isn’t what Morton wanted, as this could have been his last chance to win another World Series in his career. However, the Tigers haven’t had much success with the arms they acquired at the trade deadline this season.
Morton ended up on the short end of the stick. He can’t afford to underperform with the most important part of the season almost here. Perhaps Morton still has a chance to be picked up by another team.