Detroit Tigers pitcher Charlie Morton (50) throws a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park on Aug 3. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Detroit Tigers' Trade Acquisition Shows Well in First Outing and Joins Rare Baseball History

Originally posted on Fastball on SI | By Brady Farkas | Last updated Aug 4, 2025 9:09 AM ET

New Detroit Tigers pitcher Charlie Morton, recently acquired from the Baltimore Orioles at the trade deadline, showed well on Sunday in his first appearance in a Detroit uniform.

The 41-year-old right-hander went six strong innings, giving up just one run on four hits. He walked one and struck out six, but the Tigers lost 2-0. They now own a 65-48 record and continue to pace the American League Central.

Morton also made some history of the last 20 years with his efforts, according to Sarah Langs of MLB.com:

Oldest pitchers with 5+ consecutive strikeouts in a game, last 20 seasons:

5/1/09 Randy Johnson: 45y, 233d
5/9/07 Randy Johnson: 43y, 241d (6)
5/17/23 Rich Hill: 43y, 67d
8/23/09 John Smoltz: 42y, 100d (7)
Today Charlie Morton: 41y, 264d

This was the first time Morton had at least 5 straight K since 8/24/21

@EliasSports

Oldest pitchers with 5+ consecutive strikeouts in a game, last 20 seasons:

5/1/09 Randy Johnson: 45y, 233d
5/9/07 Randy Johnson: 43y, 241d (6)
5/17/23 Rich Hill: 43y, 67d
8/23/09 John Smoltz: 42y, 100d (7)
Today Charlie Morton: 41y, 264d

This was the first time Morton had at…
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) August 4, 2025

Now in his 18th season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves, Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays, Orioles, Phillies and Tigers, Morton has gone 145-132 with a 4.07 ERA. He's made exactly 400 starts.

This season, Morton started off slowly, but has rebounded nicely. Though his ERA is still high (5.20), he's gone 7-9 with 107 strikeouts in 107.1 innings.

He's hoping to pair with Tarik Skubal and Jack Flaherty in Detroit's rotation as they chase the organization's first World Series title since 1984.