Charlie Morton and A.J Hinch once won a World Series together in Houston. They'll try to do it again in Detroit.
The Tigers have acquired Morton in a trade with the Orioles, adding the 41-year-old pitcher to their roster just minutes before Thursday's 6 p.m. trade deadline. Detroit is reportedly sending minor league reliever Micah Ashman, a 22-year-old lefty in Double-A, to Baltimore.
Morton has a 5.42 ERA in 23 games (17 starts) this year, with 101 strikeouts to 48 walks in 101 1/3 innings. His last strong season was two years ago when he posted a 3.64 ERA in 30 starts for the Braves. The right-hander will be another depth arm for the Tigers down the stretch as they try to win the AL Central for the first time since 2014.
Morton's recent results are more promising. He's 7-1 with a 3.88 ERA in his last 11 starts, dating back to late May.
Morton will join Detroit's rotation, said Scott Harris, slotting in behind Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, Casey Mize and Chris Paddack, who was also acquired this week after the club lost Reese Olson to injury. Troy Melton will be moved to the bullpen. Morton is on an expiring contract, which could be his last.
A two-time All-Star and 18-year vet, he won the World Series with the Astros in 2017 and again with the Braves in 2021. As he nears the end of his road in the big leagues, Morton has a chance go out on top in Detroit.