Charlie Morton Returns to Braves After Tigers Exit: Will the Veteran Pitcher Retire in Atlanta?
The baseball world was stunned when veteran pitcher Charlie Morton made headlines again after being released by the Detroit Tigers and almost immediately reuniting with the Atlanta Braves. The move not only reignites Morton’s deep connection with the team that drafted him but also sparks debate over whether this could be his final chapter in Major League Baseball.
Braves Confirm Charlie Morton’s Return
Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker confirmed that Charlie Morton will rejoin the roster starting Tuesday. The franchise must clear a 40-man roster spot before officially activating him. The reunion is significant because Morton first debuted with the Braves back in 2008, and his return nearly two decades later feels like a full-circle moment for the veteran.
The Braves have not yet clarified whether Morton will take the mound again this season. Instead, the decision seems to hinge on his physical readiness, performance in training, and the team’s postseason strategy.
Struggles in Detroit Leading to DFA
Morton’s stint with the Detroit Tigers was far from successful. After being acquired at the trade deadline, he made nine starts and posted a disappointing 7.09 ERA. His struggles peaked in a start against Atlanta, where he surrendered six runs in less than two innings.
Morton’s 2025 Season Overview
| Team | Starts | Innings Pitched | ERA | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orioles | - | - | - | - |
| Tigers | 9 | - | 7.09 | - |
| Combined | - | 140.2 | 5.89 | 148 |
The Tigers’ decision to designate Morton for assignment was seen as inevitable given his performance, but it quickly opened the door for the Braves to bring him back home.
Why Atlanta Made the Move
The Braves’ decision to sign Morton again may carry both practical and sentimental weight.
Key reasons include:
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Veteran Leadership: Morton brings invaluable postseason experience and clubhouse presence.
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Roster Flexibility: Atlanta gains another arm who could provide depth in the rotation or bullpen.
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Farewell Opportunity: Morton may choose to retire in the city where his MLB journey began.
This move mirrors other franchises’ efforts to honor players by allowing them to finish their careers with their original teams.
Will Charlie Morton Pitch Again?
As of now, it remains uncertain whether Morton will take the mound for the Braves. Options on the table include:
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Returning as a spot starter in September.
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Transitioning into a long relief role.
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Serving as an inactive veteran presence if his body does not respond well to another start.
Should he decide to retire after this season, Morton would likely do so as a Brave, a sentimental ending that resonates with fans and the organization alike.
