The Detroit Tigers added veteran presence to their rotation just before the trade deadline by acquiring Charlie Morton, the second-oldest active player in the majors this season. Morton is set to start the finale of a three-game series against the Houston Astros on Wednesday, after delivering two quality starts in three outings since joining Detroit.
Morton’s best showing came Friday against the Minnesota Twins, when he worked six scoreless innings on two hits. A rain delay and a rough first inning threatened to derail him early, but once his curveball settled in, Minnesota could do little. Catcher Dillon Dingler noted that Morton was initially searching for a feel on the breaking ball but the Tigers mixed in their other pitches effectively. Morton stressed the importance of getting his breaking ball going, even with a comfortable lead, to glide through additional innings.
The Astros have been sputtering offensively, being shut out in four of the last five games and going without a run through 28 innings, including a 10-inning drought that helped Detroit win 1-0 on Tuesday. Morton, who is 8-10 with a 5.20 ERA this season, owns a 4-6 mark with a 5.97 ERA in 12 career starts against Houston. He helped contribute to Houston’s 2017 World Series championship run during his time with the Astros, including a four-inning relief appearance in Game 7 of that series.
Houston will counter with Framber Valdez (11-6, 3.01 ERA), who has been strong through much of the season but has struggled in August, going 0-2 with a 5.89 ERA in three starts. Valdez pitched six-plus innings in his last start against the Baltimore Orioles, allowing four runs (three earned) on nine hits with six strikeouts and one walk. He faced a notable challenge that night from an opponent who had a perfect game going into the eighth inning, Brandon Young, before the bid was broken.
Looking ahead, Detroit hopes Morton’s late-season addition provides a stabilizing veteran presence as they push for a strong finish. The matchup also gives Houston a chance to reassert itself against a Tigers squad buoyed by Morton’s arrival and a recent shutout victory against their offense.
Summary: Morton’s arrival has already yielded tangible pitching depth and a quality outing, helping the Tigers push for momentum into the closing stretch of the season as they face a slumping Astros lineup led by Valdez. The game pits a veteran-heavy rotation against a high-ceiling Astros ace, with playoff-contending implications for Detroit.