HOUSTON (SportsRadio 610)- It’s been a rough month at the plate for Josh Reddick, but after collecting a pair of hits and driving home three runs in the Astros 11-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday, the outfielder was in a good mood, though it didn’t last long. He was reminded Charlie Morton is coming to town and the Astros have to face him.
“Dang it,” Reddick said after learning Morton gets the ball for the Rays Tuesday night. “He’s not fun to face.”
Reddick and the Astros have faced Morton once this season, and it didn't go well. He struck out eight of his former teammates in a 4-2 Rays win on March 29, starting 13-5 campaign for the 35-year old whose 2.85 ERA is third best in the American League.
“I remember from earlier in the year he was not fun (to face). He’s been a great pitcher for a long time, and having him over here for the short period of time and getting to know that guy as a person, he’s fantastic, and great friend to have, great guy to have in your clubhouse, so we have to go out there and beat him, but it will be good to see him, good to have him back here.”
Morton spent two seasons with the Astros, starting and winning game seven of the American League Championship Series against the Yankees. 11 days later he recorded the final 12 outs of the World Series at Dodger Stadium. He signed with the Rays in December, but is still held in high regards by his Astros teammates.
“He’s one of our brothers,” Astros third baseman Alex Bregman said. “We love him.”
Bregman said he’s always checking the box score to make sure Morton is pitching well.
“We root for him, always,” Bregman added.
Charlie Morton is more than a World Series hero and Houston fan favorite, he’s one of the best pitchers in all of baseball, and while his return to Minute Maid Park Tuesday night will be special for the fans in the stands, Alex Bregman, and the guys standing 60-feet, six inches away from the right-hander know they have their work cut out for them.
"It's not going to be fun because he's good. He's doing some really special things on the mound this year just how he did with us. I hope we win the game and Charlie continues to have a great year."