Pirates management has announced that Charlie Morton will start in Tuesday’s series opener against the Red Sox at PNC Park.
“We’ll get Charlie the ball on Tuesday. See where he can take that and evaluate afterwards on where we go next,” said manager Clint Hurdle.
Morton has been on the DL since 8/17 with a “sports hernia”, but has continued a throwing program which includes bullpen sessions and a simulated game to remain available in case he was needed.
Morton is 5-12 with a 3.84 ERA in 25 starts for the Pirates this season while striking out 120 in 152 1/3 innings.
It was uncertain if Morton would rejoin the rotation or throw out of the bullpen if he returned, but with the inconsistencies of Vance Worley and Jeff Locke, the team wants to see what Morton can do to contribute to the rotation.
Worley will either “piggyback” Morton’s start or throw out of the bullpen.
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