Pirates/MLB
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates this afternoon recalled pitcher Charlie Morton from Triple-A Indianapolis. The move was expected as the team placed Ross Ohlendorf on the 15-day disabled list.
The Pirates are expected to shutdown Ohlendorf for the season, which has opened up an opportunity for Morton to rejoin the starting rotation. He will start on Sunday.
The Pirates optioned reliever Justin Thomas to make room for Morton.
Starting the season with high expectations, Morton was a disaster for the Pirates, going 1-9 with a 9.35 ERA in 10 starts before going on the DL due to shoulder fatigue.
Morton’s performance in Indianapolis has drawn mixed reviews but has performed well of late, pitching 6 shutout innings Monday night.
For Indianapolis, Morton went 4-4 with a 3.82 ERA in 14 starts.
Even prior to Ohlendorf’s injury, Pirates management wanted to give Morton another long look at the major league level.
The Pirates will end the month with a five man rotation of Morton, Zach Duke, Paul Maholm, Jeff Karstens and James McDonald.
The team will consider a six man rotation in September.
Karstens who missed his scheduled start this week, is on track to return to the rotation on Tuesday.
