As the Bucs look to build on their recent winning ways, they will have to spar with a former ally in Charlie Morton – who is still providing production even at age 40, entering play tonight with a 4-4 record and 4.20 ERA in 79.1 innings.
The 2019 3rd-place finisher in AL Cy Young voting is facing the Buccos for only the second time in his 17-year MLB career, 7 of which were playing with the Pirates. In his only other start, Morton allowed 4 runs on 5 hits with 1 walk and 12 strikeouts in 6 innings of work.
Ground Chuck still relies heavily on his low-80s curveball and mid-90s 4-seam fastball combo, which comprise nearly 70% of his pitches thrown. It adds in occasional mid-80s changeup, high-80s cutter and a low-90s sinker as well but primarily works his main two offerings low in the zone.
The curve continues to be his most effective pitch as opponents are hitting just .183 against it while whiffing 34.3% of the time. In contrast, his 4-seamer has never been more hittable with opponents hitting .321 and slugging a whopping .617 against the offering.
Five of his seven home runs have come against the fastball while 50 of his 80 strikeouts have resulted from his curve. There’s a pretty clear pitch that Pirates batters need to look for today.
The curve is very loopy and should be easy enough for hitters to pick up on but, if he’s able to consistently locate it for strikes, it won’t matter much what they do. Walks have been an issue for Morton in the past and he currently has a 10.5% rate on the season compared to a 24.1% K rate – his lowest mark since leaving Pittsburgh.
Hitters need to hunt heat and lay off the curve. Morton has gone 5 or more innings in all but one outing this season despite opponents doing most of the damage first time through the order (5.00 ERA compared to 3.48 and 3.86 the next two times through).
Attack early on heat and get to the veteran righty as well as this weary Braves team which plays its 4th game in 3 cities in 3 days tonight.
Let’s Go Bucs!
Steel City Pirates 