Still looking for that first All-Star appearance
Morton made headlines frequently last season because of his newfound success. And it was somewhat surprising to not see him pitch in the All-Star Game last summer.
It’s the same case this year, especially considering his numbers look stronger. Morton owns what would be a career-best ERA at 2.83 while punching out more than 11 players per nine innings.
He ranks among the top 10 in ERA and strikeouts in the AL. The veteran ranks 12 in WHIP among the same group. Sure, Snell surely deserves a spot over Morton. Yet the right-hander is likely next in line.
Astros fans might point at J.A. Happ and Jose Berrios to be replaced. Happ ranks 33rd in the AL in ERA despite a solid 1.18 WHIP. On the other hand, Berrios sports decent numbers and a higher WAR than Morton.
Nevertheless, both are the lone representative for their respective clubs so far.
The current voting rules are controversial. And the All-Star rosters don’t necessarily reflect the best or most-deserving players in the league thus far.
Morton is just one example of that.
However, Morton already has a World Series title under his belt – one he played a major role in. Even if he is never legitimately dubbed an All-Star, he has that.
But it would be a tragedy if the Houston pitcher continued to dominate this much within the AL and not be rewarded for it. And at 34, he’s running out of time.