Tigers Charlie Morton Reflects on One of ‘Weirdest Outings of Career’

Yet, he took the loss in the Tigers’ 7-4 loss. Why? Morton ended up giving up six runs and put the Tigers in a bad position. While he struck out 10, Detroit lost a game it could have won, based on the first three innings.

Morton become known for his voluminous answers to questions during his time in Baltimore. He provided another after Saturday’s loss, as conveyed by Petzold.

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It was an answer filled with frustration, reflection and acknowledgment that he knows why he was brought here at the trade deadline.

"It's hard because I've been grinding to get back to myself, and then I finally do, and then I get traded over here, and the team needs a good start right there, and I give up six runs,” Morton said. “That's why I'm so frustrated by that and so upset about it."

It’s important to understand the context of Morton’s season and why Saturday’s start might not be a cause for concern.

Charlie Morton’s Up-and-Down Season

Signed to a one-year contract worth $15 million, Morton was supposed to be a bridge starter for the Baltimore Orioles. His first few months were a roller coaster.

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In his first six games, all of which were losses, he allowed 20 earned runs in 24.1 innings to rack up a 10.36 ERA. He struck out 24 and walked 20. Baltimore put him in the bullpen, but injuries forced him back into the rotation.

He didn’t win a game until May 26. From there, he went 4-0 in his next six games with has 37 strikeouts and 10 walks in 31 innings. More importantly, he allowed just 10 earned runs and 11 overall.

This is, most likely, his last Major League season. He wants to end it with a flourish for a team trying to make the World Series.

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