The Atlanta Braves may be without ace Spencer Strider, but veteran right-hander Charlie Morton has stabilized the Braves rotation in historic fashion. While he isn’t going to be an All-Star and he won’t win a Cy Young, Morton has been dominant. The 40-year-old right-hander has stepped up when Atlanta has needed him the most and is making history along the way.
On Friday, Charlie Morton made history, earning the win against his former team and becoming the 22nd pitcher in history to beat all 30 teams. The only other active pitchers to reach the milestone are Max Scherzer, and former teammates Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander.
With tonight’s win, Charlie Morton has beat all 30 major league clubs over the course of his 17-year career.#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/HfUgPmFMi2
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 29, 2024
Morton gained the early lead courtesy of an Austin Riley homer and held it over 6 ⅓ scoreless innings. He took a no-hit bid into the fifth inning before Ke’Bryan Hayes broke it up by singling to center field. This was Morton’s third outing this season without surrendering a run over at least six frames. Hall of Famers Warren Spahn and Phil Niekro are the only Braves pitchers aged 40 or older with more in a single season.
Charlie Morton Stabilizing Braves Rotation in Historic Fashion
With a 3.89 ERA, the two-time All-Star hasn’t pitched to the same elite level that Chris Sale, Max Fried, or Reynaldo López have this year. But Morton has pitched into the sixth inning in 12 of 15 starts, including each of his first seven starts. The veteran hurler has delivered quality production as Atlanta’s fourth starter, stabilizing the back half of a thin starting rotation.
Since losing Spencer Strider to season-ending Tommy John surgery in April, Atlanta has seen 11 different starters take the mound. Despite this rotation shuffle, the Braves starting five boasts the fifth-best ERA in the National League. Recently surpassing 2,000 career innings pitched, Morton’s ability to eat innings has helped offset the inconsistencies beyond Atlanta’s core four. Although Morton has faced his share of injuries since being drafted in 2002, his durability at age 40 remains impressive.
“He amazes me every time he goes out there,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “It’s hard to replace Charlie.”
Morton finished a successful June with a 3.10 ERA, 1.103 WHIP, and 28 punchouts across 29 innings. The 17-year veteran has made 17 postseason starts for 10 playoff teams and won two World Series titles. At 45-35 going into Saturday, the Braves have a 3 1/2 game lead in the National League Wild Card race. Charlie Morton is scheduled to make his next start at home against the San Francisco Giants on Thursday.
Photo Credit: © Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
