Pittsburgh Pirates: 5 Pitchers that Broke the Hearts of Fans Since 2005

#5, Charlie Morton, 2009-2015

Charlie Morton is an American starting pitcher who plays in currently plays for the Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball (MLB) for 14 seasons from 2008 to 2021. He spent the early part of his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he established himself as a reliable and consistent starting pitcher.

Morton was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the third round of the 2002 MLB draft. He made his major league debut with the Braves in 2008 before being traded to the Pirates in June 2009. Morton Morton was traded along with outfield prospect Gorkys Hernandez and left-handed pitching prospect Jeff Locke

Morton struggled in his first season with the Pirates, posting a 5.26 ERA in 18 starts. His next year was not much better, he missed significant time with shoulder fatigue. His ERA was over 9 at the time of the injury designation, when he would return he would be a bit more effective and get his ERA under 8.

However, Morton bounced back in a big way in 2011. He went 10-10 with a 3.83 ERA and struck out 110 batters in 171 2/3 innings pitched. He would not be able to replicate that success in 2012 as he would be shut down by the beginning of the season. He would evenutally undergo Tommy John Surgery in June of that year.

Morton was shut down with elbow discomfort and would undergo Tommy John Surgery. He would not return until the 2013 season, although a much-needed starting pitching reinforcement for what would be the breakthrough season for the Organization.