Can Charlie Morton Bounce Back? Orioles Rotation Faces Mounting Challenges
The Baltimore Orioles made a notable move this offseason, signing veteran right-hander Charlie Morton to a one-year, $15 million deal. They hoped the 41-year-old’s leadership and experience would help stabilize a starting rotation that includes a mix of young talent and seasoned arms. As one of the oldest starting pitchers currently in MLB, the 18-year veteran was seen as an ideal fit for a team with postseason aspirations, especially following the departure of ace Corbin Burnes. The Orioles viewed Morton as a steadying presence at the back end of their rotation who could provide quality innings. They also expected him to mentor the club’s emerging starters in hopes of helping Baltimore reach a third straight playoff appearance.
Unfortunately, Morton’s start to the 2025 season has been anything but steady. Through his first three outings, he has posted a 0-3 record, along with a staggering 8.78 ERA and a 1.88 WHIP. On top of that, the New Jersey native has surrendered at least four earned runs in each of his starts and has yet to pitch more than five innings. Morton’s struggles have been significantly magnified by the Orioles’ mounting injury woes in the starting rotation, as both Grayson Rodriguez and Zach Eflin, projected to be the team’s top two starters, are currently sidelined, with Eflin most recently landing on the 15-day IL last week. The rotation’s instability has placed even greater pressure on Morton to deliver, but so far, he has been unable to provide the consistency and reliability the Orioles desperately need.
As the Orioles continue their homestand, Morton is slated to take the mound Tuesday night against the Cleveland Guardians, a start that carries heightened significance for both him and the team. The Orioles, sitting at 6-9, are still searching for their first series win of the season and need Morton to rediscover his form to help halt their early-season struggles. With the rotation stretched thin and the bullpen feeling the effects in Sunday afternoon’s loss to the Blue Jays, Baltimore is in desperate need of a strong outing from the veteran. Such a performance could spark a turnaround, not only for the two-time World Series champion but also for the Orioles' hopes of staying afloat in the competitive AL East as key players make their way back from injury in the coming months.
