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The Detroit Tigers suffered two sweeps in a row as they fell to the Atlanta Braves on Sunday, raising serious doubts about what once seemed like a surefire division title.
The Tigers are now barely ahead of the Cleveland Guardians for first place in the American League Central and could even find themselves out of the playoff picture entirely if their fortunes don’t turn.
Among all of the disappointing performances during this stretch, though, the brief tenure of 18-year veteran Charlie Morton stands out. And it could ultimately push him to end his career.
“Veteran starter Charlie Morton, who has yielded a 7.09 ERA in his nine starts since joining the Detroit Tigers, may call it a career after this season,” Bob Nightengale reported for USA Today.
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Following his latest start, which came against the Atlanta Braves and saw Morton give up six earned runs in less than two innings, the Tigers designated Morton for assignment.
As a result, his season is almost certainly over, though he does have a chance to try and continue his career next year.
“It’s likely at this late stage in the calendar that he will go unclaimed, and if that comes to pass Morton has more than enough service time to reject an outright assignment and head into free agency early,” Nick Deeds reported for MLB Trade Rumors.
Though Morton enjoyed a decent season for the Braves last year and has twice been an All-Star, he seems to have lost that form and it seems unlikely that any team will bet on him coming back with a new contract. The 41-year-old has a 5.89 ERA in 26 total starts this year between the Tigers and the Baltimore Orioles.
Though only time will tell, Morton could very well be headed toward retirement.
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