Charlie Morton pitched as a relatively-unknown, mid-tier pitcher before he joined the Houston Astros. But since then, he’s become more efficient. And now he’s earned his first-ever All-Star spot.
The Houston Astros already had a handful of players selected to the All-Star team. Yet, arguments could be made for an additional few that were left off the squad.
Starting pitcher Charlie Morton was one of them. But since a few All-Star participants are injured or pitch prior to the superstar bout, the Houston hurler earned a spot as a replacement.
Fans seemingly expected it to happen, but Morton was ultimately surprised. Manager A.J. Hinch even noted the veteran’s response, claiming he was in shock.
The 34-year-old journeyman toiled for years as a mid-tier starter. He battled injuries and transitions to different teams before landing in Houston.
Here's Charlie Morton on the disappointment of not making the team originally, wondering if this was his best chance...and now makes it. Serious stuff from CFM. @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/hHxIaUaTGJ
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) July 13, 2018
But he turned his career around in an Astros uniform. And his story continues now that he’s earned his first All-Star appearance.
It’s hard to declare Morton deserved a spot in the All-Star affair over Blake Snell. But since the young left-hander received a spot due to Corey Kluber’s injury, Morton was next in line.
And surely, he deserves it. The Houston starter ranks in the top 20 in WHIP, ERA and strikeouts per nine innings. He also compiled 13 quality starts during the pre-All-Star season, which sits just outside the top 10.
It’s baffling to see how irrelevant Morton was during the first nine seasons in his career. He eclipsed the 150-inning mark just twice in that time, while his lowest ERA in that span was 3.26.
More from Houston Astros
- Julio Rodriguez doing it all for Mariners, including playing peacemaker against Astros
- MLB Trade Deadline: AL West roundup with Rangers, Angels, Astros wishlist, A’s and Mariners for sale
- Grading Dana Brown and the Houston Astros front office at the season’s midway point
- Houston Astros: Houston, we have a Martin Maldonado problem
- Stock Up, Stock Down: Red Sox, Cardinals, Blue Jays and Astros
Morton didn’t exceed that threshold nor boast a lower ERA last season. But he captured career-best numbers in most categories. And he’s on pace to break personal records this season as well.
The Astros pitcher had a considerable chance at claiming the MLB Comeback Player of the Year award. Yet, Greg Holland received the hardware, which is respected.
However, if that award took into account the previous two seasons, Morton surely has the resumé to earn the title. Moreover, Morton is still improving, even at his later age.
When Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole joined the rotation within the last calendar year, Houston fans expected them to shove on a nightly basis. But with Morton, there was more skepticism and more unfamiliarity.
Now, nearly 20 months after signing a pitcher recovering from a season-ending injury, the Astros have essentially a third ace on the staff. Yet, it doesn’t seem like Morton plans on ending his career on this high note.
Next: Houston could look at these catchers at the deadline
And that’s what makes his story, and first All-Star appearance, much more reverential.