Breaking News: Orioles Major Decision Regarding Charlie Morton After Unexpected Performance

The Baltimore Orioles’ rotation is in disarray, and much of the blame falls on the front office. GM Mike Elias and the organization opted not to meet Corbin Burnes’ contract demands, leading the ace to sign a longer-term deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks—closer to home and at a lower average annual value than Baltimore likely would have paid. In response to losing Burnes, the Orioles turned to… Charlie Morton.

Despite boasting a strong core of young pitching talent, including Kyle Bradish and Grayson Rodriguez—both potential future aces—the Orioles’ rotation has faltered. Bradish and Rodriguez, like many young arms, remain injury risks. To fill the void, Baltimore added Morton and Zach Eflin, a duo that hasn’t lived up to expectations.

Morton, in particular, has drawn heavy criticism. Once expected to be a top-end rotation option after arriving from Atlanta, the 41-year-old has looked more like a bullpen liability. He struggled late last season with the Braves and hasn’t bounced back. After a disappointing start to the year, Morton was removed from the rotation and reassigned to the bullpen—but his debut there didn’t go any better.

Charlie Morton is the least of the Orioles problems, but he should’ve retired

Charlie Morton allowed two runs in relief for the Orioles on Sunday, surrendering three hits and two earned runs in just one inning. His struggles continue to mount, with his ERA now ballooning to 9.76. Just weeks ago, manager Brandon Hyde didn’t hold back in describing the state of the Orioles’ pitching staff, calling it “embarrassing.”

“You’re not going to win games pitching like that,” Hyde said. “Sure, you might outscore teams here and there, but that’s not a sustainable way to win in the majors.”

Even Morton himself admitted his confidence has taken a hit. Despite his long career, the 41-year-old said he’s rarely dealt with a stretch like this.

 

Baltimore Orioles, Charlie Morton, Atlanta Braves Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

“If I had 30 starts, I’d figure it out,” Morton said. “But the real question is: how much am I hurting the team in the meantime? I still believe I can pitch well. The problem is just throwing strikes, making quality pitches consistently, finding rhythm—gaining momentum. That’s what I’m lacking right now.”

Unfortunately, a move to the bullpen hasn’t helped. If anything, it’s highlighted the miscalculation by the Orioles’ front office in relying on him. Now sitting at 13-20 and 5.5 games behind the AL East-leading Yankees, it’s clear the team’s problems go far beyond just Morton.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *