Struggling Charlie Morton Faces Possible Demotion as Orioles' Rotation Woes Deepen
April 28, 2025
Overall, the team's difficulties are largely attributed to a starting rotation that has the worst earned run average in Major League Baseball.
The Orioles have started the 2025 season poorly, holding a 9-12 record and ranking near the bottom of the American League East.
Only two of the six starting pitchers have an ERA+ above 70, highlighting the poor performance of the rotation.
In contrast, the Atlanta Braves finished April 2025 with a disappointing 12-15 record, raising concerns about their performance for the rest of the season.
The Braves will not face the Orioles until July 2025, giving Morton a limited window to improve his performance and retain his position.
Looking ahead, Dean Kremer is slated to pitch against the Washington Nationals, who rank 19th in runs scored, as the Orioles seek to improve their rotation's effectiveness.
Charlie Morton, a veteran right-hander who signed a one-year, $15 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles in January 2025, is facing significant struggles early in the season.
Morton is experiencing a career-worst ERA of 10.36, with alarming statistics that include 12.6 hits, 2.2 home runs, and 7.4 walks per nine innings.
As of April 28, 2025, he leads Major League Baseball in losses with six, earned runs with 28, and walks with 20.
Following a poor performance in a recent game against the Detroit Tigers, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde has not guaranteed Morton's place in the starting rotation.
Hyde indicated that moving Morton to the bullpen is a possibility, stating that 'anything is on the table' regarding roster decisions.
The Orioles' rotation has been further impacted by injuries to several pitchers, including Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells, which has compounded their struggles.
Summary based on 2 sources
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Sources

CBSSports.com • Apr 22, 2025
Orioles won't rule out moving struggling Charlie Morton to the bullpen despite rotation injuries
ATL All Day • Apr 28, 2025
Former Braves Starter Could Be Gone From New Team in May