Houston Astros: Top three batters and pitchers so far
By T.A. Mock
6. Charlie Morton
Morton played the role of hero in the 2017 playoffs. Making a couple great starts but, most memorably, he closed out game seven of the World Series. Morton put on a clinic in his two appearances against the Dodgers in the World Series.
Morton has always had electric stuff, however, no one expected what he’s given the Houston Astros in 2018. Thus far he leads the team in wins with 6, he also owns 70 strikeouts to 18 walks. Morton also owns a 1.94 ERA, good for third in the AL, to pair with a 0.93 WHIP.
He has just been flat out awesome so far in 2018. However, the big question with Morton is how long will it last? Morton has always had flashes of excellence but, his struggle has been staying on the mound. He has only exceeded 20 starts four times in his 11-year career.
The Astros seem to be preparing Morton for the long haul this year. He is last in terms of Astros starters when it comes to innings pitched so far. He has logged 55.2 innings this year, Lance McCullers is the next lowest with 59.
All in all, Morton has been outstanding thus far. He currently sits at 1.5 WAR. His current career high for WAR is 1.9. So, even if he finishes the year at a league average he’ll surpass that career high.