Pirates starter Charlie Morton felt “increased discomfort” due to a sports hernia after his last start and during a bullpen session on Thursday. Vance Worley will start in his place.
“My discomfort got noticeably worse during the last batter that I faced in my start,” said Morton. “There was three pitches remaining and I felt something that was really abnormal. I threw a pen [Thursday] and it wasn’t good. I was hoping I would feel better, but it wasn’t, and now we’re here.”
Vance Worley — who hasn’t made a start since September 10th — will take Morton’s place in the rotation. He has been on a throwing program since his last start and believes the extended rest will do nothing but help him out.
“I had one start off, so I’m a little more fresh, now,” said Worley. “It gave my body a rest. We’ve been going since February and it’s been a long year and we’re looking at going to the playoffs and hopefully, the World Series, so anytime you can get a little quick breather, it can get you back on your feet to get going.”
Manager Clint Hurdle agrees with Worley’s take on the extra rest.
“I think it’s probably a great idea for every pitcher to skip a start at sometime during the season,” said Hurdle. “For me, to skip a start, that’s a smart thing to do from time to time. It’s been done this year almost in every organization. ”
Worley is scheduled to oppose Brewers RHP Wily Peralta on Sunday afternoon in the series finale.
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(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
