Charlie Morton's Career Turnaround

Two years ago, Charlie Morton pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies. I can't believe I have to remind people of this now.

He pitched 4 games, had a 4.00 ERA, 19 strikeouts, and...got injured, I think. So the Phils, naturally, didn't pick him back up, and let him sign with Houston.

...where he promptly became a stellar third-starter, topped 10 wins for the first time in his career, had his lowest ERA, his highest amount of strikeouts, and won a World Series.

Philly certainly knows talent.

This year, Morton has the MLB-best W/L ratio, with a 12-2 record, as well as leading the Astros in wins. It's a tough rotation to lead something in, with Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole playing just as well, but Morton, at 35, has finally gotten things worked out, is playing better than he's ever been, and is part of a powerful, postseason-bound roster that might try and build a dynasty off of last year's WS win.

The one concerning thing for the Astros has been the loss of Correa, Springer and Altuve, and now Lance McCullers, but Correa has made his return, and Springer and Altuve are on the way. Things don't seem to be irreparable here, as even if the BIG THREE are out, Alex Bregman is having his best year, Tony Kemp is doing well in the outfield, and Evan Gattis is still a powerful DH. There aren't any concerning over-arching problems for the Astros, which is nice.

Still, with the A's catching up, the Astros will need to keep this momentum going, and hopefully Charlie Morton will continue to add to the offensive.

Coming Tonight: Another guy named Charlie, this one...with a larger beard.