After a 0-7 start, the Atlanta Braves still seemed destined to turn the season around. For a time, this appeared to be the case with the team climbing back to .500 and earning a winning record. A short-lived victory that has quickly faded, with the bullpen plummeting back to earth and the offense remaining incredibly inconsistent. This was on full display in a crushing home series loss to the Boston Red Sox.
It illustrated the healthy level of desperation the Braves must have and the stark reality that the season might already be over. Still, the team should spend the next days of the season hoping for a hot streak to breathe just a bit of hope back into the season. This means all moves must be on the table, including looking at upgrading the bullpen and starting rotation. One potential upgrade at the bottom of the rotation could be a familiar face.
The Atlanta Braves Should Consider a Reunion Born of Frustration With World Series Champion Charlie Morton
It is hard to believe the Baltimore Orioles wouldn't move Morton when you consider the team is in the basement of the American League East. Add in the fact that Morton had one of the worst performances in baseball over the first two months of the season, and the two sides parting ways makes sense. For Atlanta, this is purely a move out of complete desperation. Bringing back a familiar veteran leader in hopes it does something to help turn a season that may already be sunk.
Morton has shown life in his previous two starts, going six innings and keeping the team in the game, looking to be back to the best version of the aging pitcher. This is on the heels of a bullpen demotion that allowed Morton to take a step back and readjust after a dismal start to the year.
Perhaps a trade for Morton isn't fixing the myriad of problems this roster is facing. One could even argue it has a chance to make the team worse. If the version of Morton that started the year for the Orioles showed up in Atlanta, it would unquestionably be the case. However, the Braves simply aren't in a position that allows them not to try every possible avenue.
This is a bad team that continues to free-fall its way out of the postseason race. Keeping things status quo isn't going to cut it. Either the Braves must begin to spend to attempt to salvage what is left of the year, or attempt to go in the opposite direction. If there is still any level of belief in the clubhouse and front office, trading for Morton is a cheap step in this direction. It is a reunion that makes sense for both sides and perhaps sparks a bit of muscle memory for who this team has been for the last half-decade.