ALCS 2017: Astros turn to Charlie Morton in Game 7

After the Astros’ 7-1 in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series, Houston manager A.J. Hinch only had to wait through two questions before he was asked the question of who will start in Game 7 for the Astros.

Hinch’s answer was quick:

Yeah, Charlie Morton.

Charlie Morton gets the call after giving up seven runs on six hits over 3 ²⁄₃ innings in Game 3 in New York. Morton comes back after a string of weak contract and a freak home run from Todd Frazier (not to take anything away Frazier) that broke open the game.

Morton is 0-1 with a 10.13 ERA in two starts during the 2017 postseason season, he has struck out nine and walked four over 8 innings.

Hinch said of going to Morton:

(Morton is) on regular rest. We're going to have all hands on deck. You're going to see a game played tomorrow with everybody available, obviously. Probably not Verlander, but he's superhuman, so we'll see how he shows up tomorrow. But with Charlie, he's been one of the unluckiest pitchers in postseason. He's not been hit hard, given up a couple of runs here and there. We just feel like with everyday rest or regular rest he's a great option. But we want him to start the game. We'll see how he pieces together 27 outs.

Morton will likely have a short leash and Hinch could go to Brad Peacock, Lance McCullers, Jr., and Joe Musgrove if needed. But Hinch may even go to Dallas Keuchel.

But Morton could do most of the work. He’s been 10-3 with a 3.34 ERA in 16 starts at Minute Maid Park during the regular season in 2017.