Charlie Morton
Morton with the Atlanta Braves in 2021
Atlanta Braves – No. 50
Pitcher
Born: (1983-11-12) November 12, 1983
Flemington, New Jersey, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
June 14, 2008, for the Atlanta Braves
MLB statistics
(through 2023 season)
Win–loss record130–113
Earned run average4.00
Strikeouts1,880
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Charles Alfred Morton IV[1] (born November 12, 1983) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). The Braves selected Morton in the third round of the 2002 Major League Baseball draft. He has also previously played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies, Houston Astros, and Tampa Bay Rays. Morton was a World Series champion in 2017 and 2021 and an All-Star in 2018 and 2019.

Early life

Morton was born in Flemington, New Jersey, to Jeanne and Chip Morton, an accountant and former Penn State basketball player. His grandfather played in the Philadelphia Athletics farm system.[2] He was raised in Trumbull, Connecticut, playing little league baseball with future major leaguers pitcher Craig Breslow and infielder Jamie D'Antona.[3] Morton grew up attending ballgames at Yankee Stadium and idolizing Derek Jeter and Roger Clemens.[4] He attended Joel Barlow High School in Redding, Connecticut, graduating in 2002.

Professional career

Draft and minor leagues (2002–2008)

The Atlanta Braves selected Morton in the third round with the 95th overall selection of the 2002 Major League Baseball draft. He started his professional career in 2002 with the GCL Braves, and was 1–7. In 2003, he played for the Danville Braves, and was 2–5. He spent the 2004 and 2005 seasons with the Rome Braves. In 2006, he pitched for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, and was 6–7. In 2007, he pitched for the Mississippi Braves, and was 4–6.[5]

First stint with the Atlanta Braves (2008)

The Braves added Morton to their 40-man roster on November 20, 2007.[6] Morton made his major league debut on June 14, 2008, against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, allowing three runs in six innings and earning his first major league win.[7][8] In 2008 he was 4–8 with a 6.15 ERA.[5]

Pittsburgh Pirates (2009–2015)

On June 3, 2009, the Braves traded Morton with Gorkys Hernández and Jeff Locke to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for Nate McLouth.[9] He made his first start with the Pirates on June 10 pitching an inning against the Atlanta Braves, while Jeff Karstens got the win. On June 28, he received his first decision, a loss to the Kansas City Royals. On July 3, 2009, he won his first game pitching 6 innings of 1 hit baseball against the Florida Marlins. On September 30, 2009, he pitched a complete game 4 hitter with 8 strikeouts against the Chicago Cubs. His 2009 record in 18 starts was 5 wins and 9 losses, a 4.55 ERA, 97 innings pitched and 62 strikeouts, 40 walks, 7 home runs, 5 hit batsmen, .276 average against, and a 1.46 WHIP.[5]

Morton began 2010 spring training as a member of the Pirates' starting rotation. He struggled losing all five starts in April and finishing the month with a 12.57 earned run average (ERA). However Morton delivered a promising performance on April 30, 2010, against the Los Angeles Dodgers, striking out 8 in six innings of work while allowing six runs (only three earned). That game he was dealt a loss as the Pirates only provided him with two runs of support. He earned his first win of the season on May 5 against the Chicago Cubs striking out three in a 4–2 decision. However he lost each of his next four starts, dropping his record on the season to 1–9 with a 9.35 ERA. A day after suffering his 9th loss against the Cincinnati Reds, the Pirates placed him on the 15-day disabled list with shoulder fatigue. After recovering, he was assigned to the Pirates Triple-A affiliate Indianapolis Indians.

Morton with the Pirates in 2014

Speaking before his first start with the Indians, Morton said "I was pressing. I wasn't being myself on the mound those last couple times I went out there in Pittsburgh. There was so much going on in my mind. At the end of last year, I finished strong, I got a glimpse of what I could do, truly, in the big leagues, going out there and going deep into games, being competitive, being someone who was pretty good. I wanted to be out there for myself and because I care about this team and organization. At the same time, though, after that last one, that last start, because I care about these guys is why, exactly, I knew I couldn't go back out there again."[10]

Morton was recalled when starter Ross Ohlendorf was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to a shoulder injury. On his final start of the 2010 season, Morton compiled his finest pitching performance of the year striking out a career-high nine batters in a 2–0 loss to the Florida Marlins on October 2. He finished the season with a 2–12 record and a 7.57 ERA, but in his final six starts of the season after being recalled in late August he sported a 4.26 ERA.

2011 was Morton's best season yet, where he held a 10–10 record in 29 starts with a 3.83 ERA, earning the club's Breakout Player of the Year.[11] On April 15, Morton threw a complete game against the Cincinnati Reds. On May 18, again at Great American Ball Park, Morton threw a complete game-shutout, striking out 5 and giving up 5 hits.[12] Following the season, Morton underwent successful hip surgery to repair a torn labrum in October 2011 with a full recovery expected in 4–6 months. He was optimistic about returning before Opening Day.[13] However, he began the 2012 season on the disabled list, making his season debut on April 14. His season ended when he underwent Tommy John surgery on June 14, 2012.[14]

On June 13, 2013, Morton was activated off the DL. He picked up his first win of the season on June 18 in a shutout against the Cincinnati Reds. He pitched 5+1⁄3 innings giving up only 3 hits and no runs, while striking out 2. On July 22 and 27 he won back-to-back games for the first time since May 7 and 18, 2011. On December 11, 2013, Morton signed a three-year contract to remain with the Pirates, with a club option for the 2017 season.[15] Morton was placed on the DL with right hip inflammation on August 17, 2014. At the time, he was 5–12 with a 3.84 ERA.[16] During the month of September, Morton needed hip surgery, effectively ending his 2014 season. In 26 starts on 2014, Morton hit 19 batsmen with pitches, which led the Majors along with a 6–12 record and a 3.72 ERA.

During 2015 spring training, Morton struggled thoroughly and began to experience inflammation in his recently surgically repaired hip. On April 5, 2015, the Pirates placed Morton on the 15-day disabled list.

Philadelphia Phillies (2016)

On December 12, 2015, the Pirates traded Morton to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for David Whitehead.[17] His season came to an abrupt end on April 23, 2016, when Morton suffered a hamstring injury running to first base in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers and was placed on the disabled list the next day.[18] On April 27, the Phillies announced Morton would miss the rest of the 2016 season with a torn hamstring.[19]

Houston Astros (2017–2018)

Morton pitching with the Astros in 2018

On November 16, 2016, Morton signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Houston Astros.[20] During the 2017 regular season, Morton made 25 starts, compiling a 14–7 record with a 3.62 ERA. He pitched 146+2⁄3 innings and recorded 163 strikeouts. Morton started Game 3 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) at Yankee Stadium. He lost the game, giving up 7 runs in 3+2⁄3 innings.[21] On October 21, he won Game 7 of the ALCS at Minute Maid Park, pitching five shutout innings with five strikeouts, sending the Astros to the World Series.[22] Morton started Game 4 of the World Series and pitched well over 6.1 innings giving up one earned run on 3 hits and 7 strikeouts in an eventual Astros loss. Morton pitched the final four innings in Game 7 of the World Series. He was credited as the winning pitcher helping the Astros win their first World Series title.[23] Three years later, it was revealed in the Houston Astros sign stealing scandal that the team had broken MLB rules during the 2017 season. Morton admitted he knew about the team's cheating and expressed regret that he did not do anything to stop it.[24]

In 2018, Morton continued his successful stint with the Astros. On May 12, he set a personal record of 14 strikeouts over seven innings in a 6–1 victory against the Texas Rangers.[25] Entering the All-Star break third in the American League with 11 wins, 11.7 strikeouts per nine innings, and ninth in ERA (2.96), Morton was added to the AL roster for the 2018 MLB All-Star Game.[26] Morton avoided serious injury in 2018, with only a short trip to the 10-day DL for shoulder discomfort. He pitched 167 innings, second only to his 2011 high of 171.2. Morton finished the regular season with a 3.13 ERA, a 15–3 win–loss record, and 201 strikeouts, all constituting career highs.[27]

Tampa Bay Rays (2019–2020)

Morton with the Rays in 2019

On December 21, 2018, the Tampa Bay Rays signed Morton to a two-year, $30 million contract.[28] He made his debut as a Ray against the Astros on March 29, 2019, pitching five innings and earning the win. On June 30, he was awarded his second consecutive All-Star appearance.[29] In 2019, he led all major league pitchers in home runs/9 innings pitched, at 0.694.[30] He set career highs in wins (16), ERA (3.05), innings (194+2⁄3) and strikeouts (240). He finished in third place for the Cy Young Award.[31] Morton started the American League Wild Card Game against the Oakland Athletics, receiving a win in five innings of work.[32] This was Morton's third career win in winner-take-all playoff games, the most in MLB playoff history.[32]

On August 10, 2020, Morton was placed on the injured list with inflammation in his right shoulder.[33] Morton finished the 2020 year with an ERA of 4.74 over 38 innings.[34] Morton pitched in game 7 of the American League Championship Series against his former team the Houston Astros. He recorded his fourth win in a winner-take-all playoff game, extending his record.[35]

On October 30, 2020, the Rays declined their $15 million team option on his contract for the 2021 season, and he was declared a free agent. At the time the Rays made their decision, it was reported that they were looking for a "creative" way to re-sign Morton as a free agent for the following year.[36]

Second stint with the Atlanta Braves (2021–present)

On November 24, 2020, the Atlanta Braves signed Morton to a one-year, $15 million contract.[37][38] On September 6, 2021, Morton and the Braves agreed to a one-year extension worth $20 million.[39][40]

In the 2021 regular season, he was 14–6 with a 3.34 ERA in 33 starts.[41]

On October 26, 2021, during Game 1 of the World Series versus the Houston Astros, Morton left the game after pitching only 2+1⁄3 innings with what was revealed to be a right fibula fracture. The injury occurred in the previous inning when Astros batter Yuli Gurriel hit a ball directly into Morton's leg. Initially believing he was unharmed, Morton continued to pitch, completing 16 more pitches—including a strikeout of former MVP José Altuve—before removing himself from the game.[42][43][44] Morton did not play for the remainder of the series. The Braves later won the World Series, giving the Braves their first title since 1995 and Morton his second World Series ring.[45] On September 30, 2022, Morton and the Braves agreed to a one-year contract extension for the 2023 season worth $20 million.[46][47] Morton recorded at least 200 strikeouts in consecutive seasons with the team, and became the third Atlanta Braves pitcher to have struck out 200 or more batters in multiple seasons.[48]

In 2022, he was 9–6 with a 4.34 ERA, as in 31 starts he pitched 172 innings, and threw curveballs 38% of the time, more than any other pitcher in major league baseball.[49][50] The active career leader in hit batsmen with 156, he hit 18 batters, second in the NL.[49] During the 2023 season, Morton pitched to a 3.64 ERA and a 14–12 record.[51] The Braves picked up the option year on his contract, worth $20 million.[52]

Pitching style

Morton's repertoire consisted in 2013 of a four-seam fastball, a sinker, a curveball, and a split-finger fastball with his speed maxing out in the low 90s.[53] Morton picked up the splitter in 2011 having previously thrown a changeup. He also has previously thrown a slider and a cutter.[54] Morton's sinker was his most common pitch, especially against right-handed hitters. His curveball was his most common pitch in a two strike count.[55]

Due to changes in his delivery and the emphasis he has placed on the sinker, Morton drew comparisons to Roy Halladay.[56] Pirates special assistant Jim Benedict had previously encouraged Morton to emulate Halladay's delivery during spring training. Morton featured his new sinker almost exclusively in his first starts of the 2011 season and it resulted in an increased groundball rate but also more bases on balls. Pirates' fans christened him with the nickname "Ground Chuck."[57][58][59]

In the 2015 offseason, a frustrated Morton began experimenting with throwing harder, alongside adjustments to his technique and workouts.[60] In his injury-abbreviated starts with the Phillies, he showcased his newfound velocity. Along with high spin rates, this attracted the attention of Houston's front office which signed him and encouraged Morton to continue throwing hard four-seam fastballs, as Morton felt his sinker was becoming ineffective.[61] While playing for the Astros, Morton transformed into a strikeout pitcher finding new effectiveness against left-handed hitters.[62] With Houston his primary pitches were a four-seam fastball reaching 98-99 MPH and a curveball with considerable vertical and horizontal movement, which Morton considers his best pitch.[63] In 2018, his improvements on his curveball was attributed to his low three-quarters position, but slightly above sidearm at release.[64]

Personal life

Morton and his wife, Cindy, have four children.[65] They reside in Bradenton, Florida.[66]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Solomon, Jerome (March 24, 2018). "Astros' Charlie Morton cares about the positive impact he has on others". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
  2. ↑ Berra, Lindsay (October 28, 2017). "Charlie Morton ready for World Series Game 4". MLB.com. Major League Baseball. Archived from the original on January 13, 2018. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  3. ↑ Herrmann, Mark (October 28, 2017). "Astros pitcher Morton's dad was All-LI hoops player". Newsday. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  4. ↑ Mastracco, Abbey (October 16, 2017). "Lifelong Yankees fan Charlie Morton starts Game 3... Against Yanks". NJ.com. Retrieved January 12, 2018.
  5. 1 2 3 "Charlie Morton Minor, Fall & Winter Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com.
  6. ↑ "Braves add three players to 40-man roster". Atlanta Braves. Archived from the original on November 21, 2007. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  7. ↑ "Morton set for Major League debut". Atlanta Braves. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  8. ↑ "Rookies Morton, Jones help beat Halos". Atlanta Braves. Archived from the original on December 27, 2013. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  9. ↑ "Braves Acquire Outfielder Nate McLouth from Pittsburgh". Atlanta Braves. Archived from the original on June 9, 2009. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  10. ↑ Dunlap, Colin (June 14, 2010). "Pirates' Morton getting his head together". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  11. ↑ Langosch, Jenifer. "Andrew McCutchen, Joel Hanrahan, Charlie Morton earn 2011 honors". MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved January 16, 2012.
  12. ↑ "Charlie Morton Stats, Fantasy & News". Philadelphia Phillies. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  13. ↑ Langosch, Jenifer. "Charlie Morton undergoes successful hip surgery". MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved January 16, 2012.
  14. ↑ "Pirates' Morton undergoes Tommy John surgery". ESPN.com. Associated Press. June 14, 2012. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  15. ↑ "Pittsburgh Pirates on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  16. ↑ "Pittsburgh Pirates on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  17. ↑ "Phillies acquire pitcher Charlie Morton from Pirates". USA TODAY. Associated Press. December 12, 2015. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  18. ↑ Gelb, Matt (April 24, 2016). "Morton suffers hamstring injury, placed on DL". Philly.com. Archived from the original on April 25, 2016. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
  19. ↑ Gelb, Matt (April 27, 2016). "Morton out for season with torn hamstring". Philly.com. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
  20. ↑ McTaggart, Brian (November 16, 2016). "Astros sign free-agent righty Morton to 2-year contract". MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 16, 2017. Retrieved November 16, 2016.
  21. ↑ "Boxscore: New York vs. Houston, 2017 ALCS Game 3". MLB.com. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  22. ↑ "Boxscore: New York vs. Houston, 2017 ALCS Game 7". MLB.com. Retrieved October 21, 2017.
  23. ↑ McTaggart, Brian; Gurnick, Ken (November 2, 2017). "Houston Astros win 2017 World Series". MLB.com. Archived from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  24. ↑ "Morton regrets not stopping Astros' sign stealing". ESPN.com. February 9, 2020. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  25. ↑ Dean, Richard (May 12, 2018). "Morton K's career-high 14 en route to victory: Correa, McCann, Gattis all launch home runs". MLB.com. Retrieved May 23, 2018.
  26. ↑ Rome, Chandler (July 13, 2018). "Astros pitcher Charlie Morton added to AL All-Star team". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
  27. ↑ "Charlie Morton Stats | Baseball-Reference.com". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
  28. ↑ Topkin, Marc (December 21, 2018). "Rays make official signing of Charlie Morton to $30M, 2-year deal". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved December 21, 2018.
  29. ↑ "Charlie Morton makes debut, Rays even series at 1". WFLA. March 30, 2019. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  30. ↑ "2019 Major League Baseball Pitching Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. January 1, 1970. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
  31. ↑ Adams, Steve (February 11, 2020). "Charlie Morton Undecided On Pitching Beyond 2020". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  32. 1 2 Haft, Chris (October 4, 2019). "Morton makes MLB history with 3rd clutch win". MLB.com. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  33. ↑ Adams, Steve (August 10, 2020). "Rays Place Charlie Morton On 10-Day Injured List". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  34. ↑ "Charlie Morton Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  35. ↑ "Charlie Morton, Rays top Astros in Game 7 to reach World Series". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Associated Press. October 18, 2020. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  36. ↑ Franco, Anthony (October 30, 2020). "Rays to Decline Options on Charlie Morton, Mike Zunino". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
  37. ↑ "Atlanta Braves' Charlie Morton has faint memories of previous stint with team". ESPN.com. Associated Press. November 25, 2020. Retrieved November 26, 2020.
  38. ↑ Passan, Jeff (November 24, 2020). "Atlanta Braves sign RHP Charlie Morton to 1-year, $15 million deal". Retrieved November 24, 2020.
  39. ↑ "Braves ink Morton to 1-yr., $20M extension". MLB.com. September 6, 2021. Retrieved September 6, 2021.
  40. ↑ "Atlanta Braves sign Charlie Morton to one-year, $20 million extension". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 6, 2021. Retrieved September 6, 2021.
  41. ↑ "Charlie Morton Stats". Baseball-Reference.com.
  42. ↑ Gonzalez, Alden (October 26, 2021). "Atlanta Braves' Charlie Morton fractures fibula in Game 1 World Series win against Houston Astros". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 27, 2021.
  43. ↑ Almasy, Steve (October 26, 2021). "Braves pitcher Charlie Morton fractures bone in his leg, leaves World Series game in third inning". CNN. Retrieved October 27, 2021.
  44. ↑ McCalvy, Adam (October 26, 2021). "Morton fractures fibula, out for World Series". MLB.com. Retrieved October 27, 2021.
  45. ↑ "Atlanta Braves win 2021 World Series". MLB. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  46. ↑ Bowman, Mark (September 30, 2022). "Morton signs 1-year extension with Braves". MLB.com. Retrieved October 1, 2022.
  47. ↑ Rogers, Jesse (September 30, 2022). "Atlanta Braves sign RHP Charlie Morton to 1-year, $20 million deal for 2023". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 1, 2022.
  48. ↑ Toscano, Justin (September 30, 2022). "Morton signs one-year deal, will return in 2023". Atlanta Journal Constitution. Retrieved October 2, 2022.
  49. 1 2
  50. ↑ "Statcast Custom Leaderboards". baseballsavant.com.
  51. ↑ "Braves pick up Charlie Morton's option, decline Eddie Rosario's". ESPN.com. November 6, 2023. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  52. ↑ Bowman, Mark (November 6, 2023). "Braves exercise option on Morton, decline options on Rosario, McHugh, Yates". MLB.com. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  53. ↑ "Player Card: Charlie Morton". Brooks Baseball. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
  54. ↑ "Player Card: Charlie Morton". Brooks Baseball. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
  55. ↑ "Player Card: Charlie Morton". Brooks Baseball. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
  56. ↑ "Rosenthal notebook: Young infielders showing promise for Chicago Cubs". FOX Sports. April 18, 2011. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  57. ↑ Stonesifer, Jared (August 29, 2013). "Pittsburgh Pirates: Charlie Morton Is the Real Deal in the Rotation". Yahoo! Sports. Archived from the original on December 16, 2013. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  58. ↑ "Cardinals get to Morton in 10–7 win over Pirates". Boston.com. Associated Press. May 2, 2012. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  59. ↑ Rose, Shanna (August 10, 2013). "Pittsburgh Pirates: Charlie Morton roars back". isportsweb. Archived from the original on August 14, 2013. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  60. ↑ Kaplan, Jake (April 23, 2018). "Q&A: Charlie Morton on breaking out late in his career, his..." The Athletic. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  61. ↑ Kaplan, Jake (May 29, 2018). "Long known as a sinkerballer, Charlie Morton now finding..." The Athletic. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  62. ↑ Marbach, Jason (March 5, 2018). "Reading Between The Seams: The Ghost Of Ground Chuck (Part 2 of 6)". The Crawfish Boxes. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  63. ↑ Kaplan, Jake. "Q&A: Charlie Morton on breaking out late in his career, his..." The Athletic. Retrieved October 1, 2018.
  64. ↑ MLB Network (May 6, 2018), Spinning the Curveball with Al Leiter, archived from the original on December 12, 2021, retrieved May 22, 2019
  65. ↑ Topkin, Marc (February 16, 2019). "Did you hear this one about new Rays pitcher Charlie Morton ..." Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  66. ↑ Topkin, Marc (December 13, 2018). "5 things to know about new Rays pitcher Charlie Morton". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
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