He and his wife, Cindy, live in Bradenton, Fla. with their four children, Cam, Grace, Benji and Emelia...¡°Cam¡± is an acronym for Charles Alfred Morton V, his full name...The Astros clinched the A.L. West on the day Emelia was born in 2018 and teammate George Springer video called Charlie at the hospital from the clubhouse celebration...Was originally selected by Atlanta out of Joel Barlow High School in Redding, Conn.
2023
Started 30 games in his 16th major league season and pitched to a 3.64 ERA (66 ER/163.1 IP) while going 14-12 with 183 strikeouts...His 14 wins were tied for fifth most in the National League...Since 2019, Morton's teams have won 79 of his starts; tied for fifth most in the majors during that span...Trailing teammate Max Fried who has 81...Became the fifth pitcher in franchise history to start at least 30 games at age 39 or older, joining Hall-of-Famers Warren Spahn, Phil Niekro, and John Smoltz as well as R.A. Dickey...This past season season marked the fifth time in Morton's career in which he made at least 30 starts...Since 2018, Morton's 166 games started are tied for the seventh most in the Majors...Is one of 20 pitchers in Major League history to start at least 30 games in each season between the ages of 37 and 39...Morton has recorded at least 30 starts in five of those seasons, the most in the majors among active pitchers over the age of 34...Justin Verlander ranks second with three such seasons while Yu Darvish, Zack Greinke and Kyle Gibson are tied for third with two each...Morton's 32% swing and miss rate finished fourth highest among qualifiers in MLB...Teammate Spencer Strider led the league with a rate of 38.6%...Joined Hall-of-Famers Warren Spahn and Phil Niekro as the only pitchers age 39 or older with at least two separate streaks of four or more consecutive games won in franchise history...Struck out 10 New York (AL) hitters through 6.0 scoreless frames on Aug. 16...At age 39 years and 277 days old, Morton joined Hall-of-Famers Phil Niekro and John Smoltz as the only pitchers of that age or older in Braves franchise to fan at least 10 hitters while tossing 6.0 shutout innings...Went 4-1 with a 1.91 ERA in the month of August...The ERA was the second lowest in the majors and the four wins were tied for the third most in MLB for the month...His 1.91 ERA was a career low in the month of August for Morton...Recorded 10 and 11 strikeouts in consecutive outings on Aug. 16 & 23...Became the 20th player in Major League history (live ball era) at age 39 or older to strikeout 10 or more hitters in consecutive games and first since Hall-of-Famer John Smoltz in 2008...Morton has recorded 604 strikeouts since joining Atlanta's staff in 2021, the fourth most in the National League and seventh most in baseball...Morton has struck out 397 hitters with his curveball since the beginning of the 2020; the most in the majors...Morton was placed on the 15-day injured list on Sept. 24 (retro to Sept. 23) with right index finger inflammation.
2022
Made 31 starts during his 15th Major League season and went 9-6 with a 4.34 ERA (83 ER/172.0 IP) and 205 strikeouts...Compiled 1.6 bWAR on the year...His 205 strikeouts on the season were tied for ninth most in the Majors...After June 1, his 159 strikeouts were fifth most in baseball...Morton¡¯s 205 strikeouts this season were fifth most in the National League, and he is one of just three pitchers in Atlanta franchise history to log at least 200 strikeouts in multiple seasons...He struck out 216 last year...Hall-of-Famers John Smoltz (five seasons) and Phil Niekro (three seasons) are the only others to do so...Since the start of the 2018 season, Morton¡¯s 904 strikeouts are fifth most in the Majors...Only Gerrit Cole (1,196), Max Scherzer (1,044), Aaron Nola (1,007) and Robbie Ray (928) have more...Together with teammate Spencer Strider, Became the first pair of Braves teammates to reach 200 strikeouts in a season since 1886, when Old Hoss Radbourn (218) and Bill Stemmyer (239) both reached the mark... Radbourn tossed 509.1 innings that year, while Stemmyer totaled 348.2 innings...Struck out Wil Myers in the third inning of his start, April 14 at San Diego, for the 1,500th strikeout of his career...Became the 18th active pitchers to reach 1,500 career strikeouts, with Max Scherzer¡¯s 3,193 strikeouts pacing active players...Had 45 total strikeouts in June, most in the National League and tied for tops in the Majors... The White Sox¡¯ Dylan Cease also had 45...Morton had never previously struck out 45+ batters in five or fewer starts in a single month...His previous high was 40 strikeouts, done over five starts in May of 2018...Furthermore, since the mound-to-plate distance was first set at 60¡¯6¡± in 1893, Morton is the only Braves pitcher to fan at least 45 batters in five or fewer starts in a single month...Research courtesy the Elias Sports Bureau...Compiled a 4-3 record and a 5.67 ERA (38 ER/60.1 IP) with a .269 opponents average over his first 12 starts of the season...In his final 19 games, dating to June 17, went 5-3 with a 3.63 ERA (45 ER/111.2 IP) and just a .212 average against him...Allowed 28 home runs on the season, the first 20-homer season of his career...Just eight pitchers in baseball allowed more homers this year...In the first 309 games of his career, Morton allowed three homers in a game two times...He allowed three homers in a game in three times in his final 14 starts of the season...His previous career most over a single season was 18 homers, set in 2018 while with the Astros...Morton allowed 1.47 homers per 9.0 innings, the second-highest rate in the N.L...In his career, he has allowed more per 9.0 innings just once, surrendering 1.69 homers in 2010 with the Pirates...Started on Aug. 21 vs. Houston, and allowed five hits and two runs over 6.0 innings...Walked two and struck out 11...Took a no-decision after the Astros rallied for a 5-4 win...Fanned 12 in his previous outing, and had double-digit strikeouts in back-to-back games for the fourth time in his career...He last did so in 2019, and has never fanned 10+ in three straight games...With his start on May 25, became the 10th active pitcher in the majors to make 300 career starts...Over his first 150 career starts, from his debut through Aug. 20, 2015, Morton compiled a 44-65 record and a 4.46 ERA...In his next 150 starts, he went 66-33 with a 3.61 ERA.
2022 Postseason: Started Game 4 of the NLDS at Philadelphia and allowed four hits and three runs over 2.0 innings in the loss¡The Phillies won the series, three-games-to-one, in the start...Was the first loss in an elimination game in Morton¡¯s postseason career¡Entered the start 5-0 with a 0.73 ERA (2 ER/24.2 IP) in five career elimination games, including four starts...His five wins in elimination games are the most in postseason history.
2021
Played his 14th career major league season and pitched to a 14-6 record and a 3.34 ERA (69 ER/185.2 IP) over a career-high tying 33 starts...Struck out 216. NL Ranks: Starts (T1st, 33), Opponents Average (5th, .203), Wins (T5th, 14), Winning Percentage (T5th, .700), Strikeouts (6th, 216), Innings (T7th, 185.2), WHIP (8th, 1.04) Struck out 216 batters on the season, sixth-most in the NL and the second most he has ever fanned in a single season.2021 marked the third 200-strikeout season of his career; he fanned a career most 240 batters in 2019 and struck out 201 in 2018. He was the first Braves pitcher with a 200-strikeout season since Mike Foltynewicz fanned 202 in 2018... Morton¡¯s final total is the most for an Atlanta starter since Javier Vazquez struck out 238 in 2009. Led the majors with 127 strikeouts recorded on the curveball...The next closest was Toronto¡¯s Jos¨¦ Berr¨ªos with 97...Since joining the Houston Astros prior to the 2017 season, Morton has logged 479 strikeouts via the curveball, also most in the majors and over 40 more than any other pitcher...Philadelphia¡¯s Aaron Nola ranks second, with 438. Morton tallied two double-digit strikeout games, fanning 11 Mets on June 22 at Citi Field, and 10 Phillies on Sept. 28 at Truist Park...Has 19 career games with 10+ strikeouts. Morton made his season debut, on April 3 at Philadelphia, and returned to the Braves last the previous offseason. Morton made his major league debut with the club on June 14, 2008, beating Los Angeles (AL), 9-4 with 6.0 innings of three-run ball...He made 15 more appearances for the Braves that season, with his last coming on September 21 vs. NYM. With his first start last season, Morton went 12 years, 194 days between Braves appearances. According to research from the Elias Sports Bureau, only four other Braves in the modern era (since 1900) had a gap of at least 12 years between appearances, with Bucky Walters¡¯ 17-year, 302-day span the longest. Walters played third base with the Braves in 1932, before transitioning to the mound where he became an MVP with Cincinnati in 1939...He returned to the Braves as the club¡¯s pitching coach in 1950, and made one final relief appearance for the team on July 23 of that year at the age of 41. Started on April 9 vs. Philadelphia, Atlanta¡¯s home opener, and held the Phillies to four hits and one run over 6.0 innings to earn his first win of the year. The win was Morton¡¯s first for Atlanta since he beat the Florida Marlins on August 28, 2008, a span of 4,607 days. Earned his 100th victory, on June 22 at New York NL. Morton also earned his first career win while with Atlanta, June 14, 2008, at the Angels, in his major league debut...He became the first pitcher since the Dodgers¡¯ Hideo Nomo in 2003 to earn their first and 100th wins with the same team, while earning wins elsewhere in between. Nomo won 37 games with the Mets, Brewers, Tigers and Red Sox between stints with the Dodgers, while Morton won 89 games with the Pirates, Phillies, Astros and Rays between his time with Atlanta...Research courtesy Elias. Opened the season going 2-2 and pitching to a 5.08 ERA (22 ER/39.0 IP) over his first eight games, while the Braves went 2-6 in his starts... Allowed opponents to bat .263. Over his final 25 starts, Morton pitched to a 12-4 record and a 2.88 ERA (47 ER/146.2 IP), while allowing opponents to bat just .186...Atlanta went 15-10 in his starts...Started on July 27 at New York (NL) and won his 10th game of the season, allowing five hits, three runs, two walks, and a home run with five strikeouts. Became one of 23 active pitchers in baseball to have at least five different seasons with 10 or more wins.
2020
Made nine starts in his second season with Tampa Bay, going 2-2 with a 4.74 ERA (20 ER/38.0 IP) and 42 strikeouts to help guide the Rays to the A.L. East title...Over the past three seasons, his .750 winning pct. (33-11) ranks second in the majors behind HOU/NYY Gerrit Cole, who is 42-13 (.764)...Was on Tampa Bay¡¯s injured list from August 10 to September 1, missing 21 games with right shoulder inflammation...In four starts prior to injury went 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA (10 ER/16.2 IP) and allowed opponents to bat .304 against him¡In five starts after returning, pitched to a 4.22 ERA (10 ER/21.1 IP) and held opponents to a .259 average...Used his curveball for 32.7 pct. of his pitches, compared to 37.3 pct. in 2019¡ªthe highest rate in the majors (min. 100 IP)...His curveball registered a horizontal movement of 17.9 inches according to StatCast, tied for second in the majors...On July 24 vs. TOR, allowed six runs in his first career Opening Day start¡At 36 years and 255 days, became the oldest Opening Day starter in franchise history by over five years, passing Tanyon Sturtze (31.172) in 2002...Became the fourth pitcher since 1978 to make his first Opening Day start at 36 years, 255 days or older, joining TOR¡¯s R.A. Dickey in 2013, SEA¡¯s Jamie Moyer in 2000 and TOR¡¯s David Wells in 2000...Was the oldest pitcher in the majors to make an Opening Day start since NYM¡¯s Bartolo Colon (41.317) in 2015, and the oldest in the A.L. since TOR¡¯s R.A. Dickey (39.153) in 2014¡He held this distinction for less than three hours, until 37-yearold Justin Verlander (37.155) started for Houston later that night vs. SEA. Was the club¡¯s nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, which recognizes the player who best represents the game through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field...This was his third nomination, following 2014 (with PIT) and 2018 (with HOU).
2020 POSTSEASON
Made four starts in the postseason, going 3-1 with a 2.70 ERA (6 ER/20.0 IP) as the Rays advanced to the World Series...In Game 7 of the League Championship Series vs. HOU, recorded his fourth career win in a "winner take all" game, extending his own major league record¡Marked his fifth career win in a potential elimination game, breaking a tie with five other pitchers for the most in major league history...Yielded a two-out single in the first inning, then retired 14 straight before a one-out walk in the fifth¡According to the Elias Sports Bureau, he was the first pitcher to retire at least 14 consecutive batters in a ¡°winner take all¡± game since KC¡¯s Johnny Cueto (19) in Game 5 of the 2015 ALDS vs. HOU¡He was the first pitcher to do this in a Game 7 since SF¡¯s Madison Bumgarner (14) in the 2014 World Series at KC (in relief)...At 36 years, 340 days, became the second-oldest pitcher to record the win in a Game 7 start behind STL¡¯s Burleigh Grimes (38.053) in the 1931 World Series vs. PHI-AL...Became the fifth pitcher in major league history to make multiple scoreless starts in ¡°winner take all¡± games, joining DET¡¯s Justin Verlander, ATL¡¯s John Smoltz, KC¡¯s Bret Saberhagen and SF¡¯s Madison Bumgarner...Won each of his first three starts of the 2020 postseason and won five straight playoff games dating to the 2019 A.L. Wild Card Game...Became the second pitcher in postseason history to start and win five consecutive decisions (with no relief apps in between) and allow no more than one earned run in each of them, joining PHI/ARI Curt Schilling (5) from 1993¨C2001...His five postseason wins with the Rays are the most in franchise history...Went unbeaten in nine straight postseason appearances (eight starts), beginning with Game 7 of the 2017 ALCS vs. NYY (with HOU)¡Went is 7-0 with a 1.45 ERA (7 ER/43.1 IP) and a .185 opponents average over that stretch...The run ended when he lost Game 3 of the 2020 World Series vs. Los Angeles...Became the sixth pitcher in postseason history to win at least seven straight decisions.
2019
In his first season as a Ray, was co-winner of the Don Zimmer Award as the club's Most Valuable Player along with Austin Meadows, the first tie in the award's 22-year history…the award was chosen by the Tampa Bay Chapter of the BBWAA…was the fourth starting pitcher to win it, joining Blake Snell in 2018, James Shields in 2011 and Tanyon Sturtze in 2001....Finished 3rd in AL Cy Young Award voting to HOU Justin Verlander and HOU Gerrit Cole...Twelve-year veteran was named to his second consecutive AL All-Star Team…enjoyed a career year, establishing personal bests with 16 wins, a 3.05 ERA, 240 SO, 33 starts and 194.2 IP…ranked 3rd in the AL in ERA, 4th in opp avg. (.215), 5th in strikeouts, WHIP (1.08) and SO/BB ratio (4.21) and tied for 5th in wins and starts...Led the AL with a 0.69 HR/9 IP ratio, yielding only 15 HR in 194.2 IP...Became only the fourth pitcher in AL history to record at least 240 SO at age 35 or older… the others: HOU Justin Verlander in 2019 and 2018, TOR Roger Clemens in 1998 and TEX Nolan Ryan in 1989...His 240 SO ranked 3rd in Rays history, behind Chris Archer in both 2015 (252) and 2017 (249)...Led the AL in ERA from June 21-25, July 2-29 and Aug 17-20…according to Stats LLC, was the third time a Rays pitcher led the AL in ERA in August (or later), following Cy Young Award winners Blake Snell in 2018 and David Price in 2012...Yielded 2 runs (or fewer) in 22 of 33 starts, 2nd-most in the AL, excluding openers, behind HOU Gerrit Cole (24)…allowed 1 run (or fewer) in 14 starts, tied for 3rd-most in the AL behind Cole (17) and HOU Justin Verlander (16)...Opponents hit .179 (27-for-151) against him with RISP, lowest in the AL...Was unbeaten (8-0) in his first 14 starts for the club…his 8-game winning streak with the Rays tied Matt Moore in 2013 for the longest to start a season in club history, and his 14-start unbeaten streak was not only the longest to start a Rays career but was the longest to start a season in club history…it was the 3rd-longest unbeaten streak by a starter in Rays history, behind Ryne Stanek (21) from July 31, 2018-April 29, 2019 and Jeff Niemann (15) from Sep 22, 2009-June 8, 2010...His 10-2 (.833) record before the All-Star break was the best in club history among qualifiers, ahead of Matt Moore (13-3, .813) in 2013...In Baseball America's annual Best Tools survey of major league managers, coaches and executives, was ranked as the AL's 2nd-best pitcher behind HOU Justin Verlander and as having the AL's Best Curveball…136 of his 240 SO (56.7 pct.) came on the curveball, most in the majors...Was one of three Rays on the active roster for the entirety of the season, joining Willy Adames and Tommy Pham...On March 29 vs. HOU, made his Rays debut against the team he pitched for the previous two seasons…it was the second time his debut for a new team was against one of his former teams, as his Pirates debut was June 10, 2009 at ATL… his 4th-inning strikeout of Yuli Gurriel was the 1,000th of his career…became the oldest pitcher to start a game for the Rays and record the win since Hideo Nomo (36) on June 27, 2005 vs. TOR, with 2,193 games in between...On June 15 vs. LAA, suffered his first loss since Aug 11, 2018 vs. SEA, snapping both the longest unbeaten streak and longest winning streak of his career…went 11-0 with a 2.68 ERA (111-IP, 33-ER) in 21 starts in between losses...Totaled 29 SO and 0 BB over his 3 starts from Aug 5-16, the first time in his career he made three consecutive starts without a walk… included over this stretch were back-to-back starts with double-digit strikeouts and 0 BB, joining Chris Archer (3) from May 27-June 7, 2015 and James Shields from June 26-July 1, 2007 as the only pitchers in club history to do that...On Sep 25 vs. NYY, his only hit allowed in six scoreless innings was a 2-out, 6th-inning single to DJ LeMahieu…was the third time in his career he went 6 IP (or more) and allowed 1 hit (or fewer), joining July 7, 2014 at STL (7 IP, with PIT) and July 3, 2009 at FLA (6 IP, with PIT)...Selected to the All-Star Game as a result of the Player Balloting, but did not pitch…at 35 years, 8 months, became the oldest pitcher to make the All-Star Game in Rays history, surpassing Fernando Rodney (35 years, 3 months) in 2012…was the 3rd-oldest in club history overall, behind Fred McGriff (36 years, 8 months) in 2000 and Greg Vaughn (36 years, 0 months) in 2001...Went 2-0 with a 0.90 ERA (10-IP, 1-ER) in two postseason starts...Yielded an unearned run in 5 IP in the AL Wild Card Game at OAK…with the win, became the first pitcher in major league history to record the win in three "winner take all" playoff games...Defeated his former team in Game 3 of the ALDS, helping the Rays avoid elimination…his only run allowed to the Astros in 5 IP was a solo homer to José Altuve…his 9 SO tied Matt Garza in Game 7 of the 2008 ALCS vs. BOS for the most by a Rays pitcher in a postseason game...His four career wins in potential elimination games are tied for the most in major league history…he joined DET/HOU Justin Verlander, ATL John Smoltz, PHI/ARI/BOS Curt Schilling, SEA/ ARI Randy Johnson and CIN Clay Carroll.
2018
In his second season with the Astros, established career highs with 15 wins, 30 starts and 201 SO and a career-low 3.13 ERA…led the majors with a .833 winning pct., joining Roger Clemens (.818) in 2004 as the only Astros to ever do that…ranked 7th in the AL in ERA and tied for 10th in wins...Also ranked among AL leaders in opp avg. (.213, 5th) and SO/9 IP ratio (10.83, 5th)…allowed 18 HR in 167 IP for a 0.97 HR/9 IP ratio, 8th- lowest in the AL…tied BOS Rick Porcello for the AL lead with 16 HBP...According to FanGraphs, averaged 95.7 mph on his fastball, 4th in the AL...Recorded double-digit strikeouts in 6 starts...Won his first seven decisions spanning 10 starts to extend his winning streak to a career-long 10 games, dating back to Sep 15, 2017 vs. SEA…went 10-0 with a 2.03 ERA (80-IP, 18-ER) and .184 opp avg. (52-for-282) in 13 starts over that span...Went 11-2 with a 2.96 ERA (112.1-IP, 37-ER) in 19 starts before the All-Star break and was named to the AL All-Star Team, his first career selection…his 11 wins in the first half tied for 4th in the AL...On April 2 vs. BAL, started the Astros home opener and did not allow a run in 6 IP…yielded an unearned run in his next start on April 8 vs. SD to become the eighth pitcher in club history to begin the season making back-to-back starts without allowing an earned run...On May 12 vs. TEX, recorded a career-high 14 SO in 7 IP…was the sixth time in Astros history a pitcher recorded 14 SO (or more) and 0 BB...On June 15 at KC, made his 200th career start...On June 26 vs. TOR, recorded 13 SO in 7 IP on 98 pitches (67 strikes)…was the second time in franchise history a pitcher recorded at least 13 SO while throwing fewer than 100 pitches, joining Gerrit Cole who did it just over two months earlier on April 13 vs. TEX...Placed on the 10-day DL on Aug 29 with right shoulder discomfort and missed 1 start...Named the club's Darryl Kile Award winner by the St. Louis Chapter of the BBWAA…the award is presented annually to the Cardinals and Astros player who best exemplifies Kile's traits of "a good teammate, a great friend, a fine father and a humble man"...ALL-STAR GAME: Added to the AL All-Star Team as an injury replacement, his first career selection…was named to the team to replace NYY Aroldis Chapman the same day Blake Snell was chosen to replace CLE Corey Kluber… was the seventh pitcher used by the AL, and charged a blown save after yielding 2 R/ER in 2 IP…allowed a pair of solo homers, to COL Trevor Story in the 7th inning and MIL Christian Yelich in the 8th...POSTSEASON: Started Game 4 of the ALCS against the Red Sox and did not factor in the decision of an 8-6 loss…yielded 3 runs in 2.1 IP...Agreed to a two-year contract with the Rays on Dec 21, including a club option for the 2021 season…was the third time under Stuart Sternberg's ownership group the Rays signed a player who was an All-Star the season prior…they signed catcher Wilson Ramos following the 2016 season and right-handed pitcher Grant Balfour following the 2013 season.
2017
Formerly a low 90's sinkerballer, was one of the game's hardest throwing starting pitchers and one of the top strikeout pitchers in the American League...averaged 95.0 miles per hour on his fastball, which was the seventh-hardest fastball among all Major League starting pitchers...ranked seventh in the AL in strikeouts per 9.0 innings ratio with a 10.00 mark (min. 140IP)...won a career-high 14 games while striking out a career-high 163 batters, posting a 3.62 ERA in his first season with Houston...his breakout was sparked by a newfound dominance over left-handed hitters, as he held them to a .175 batting average (44x252) and .561 OPS, marks that ranked third and fifth in the AL, respectively...was a hero for the Astros in the postseason, getting the win in Game 7 of the ALCS vs. NYY, and Game 7 of the World Series at LAD...became the first pitcher in MLB history to get the win in two Game 7's in a single postseason...set career-best marks in WHIP (1.19), opponent batting average (.228), strikeouts per 9.0 innings (10.00), strikeout rate (26.4%) and strikeout to walk ratio (3.26)...his 52.8% groundball rate was his lowest since the 2010 season (47.2%), but was still an excellent mark as it ranked as the fourth-best mark among AL pitchers (min. 140IP)...recorded three double-digit strikeout games...entered the season with just one on his ledger over his entire Major League career (June 25, 2014 at TB)...batters whiffed on close to half of the swings taken against his curveball (42.91%)...no AL starting pitcher generated more whiffs per swing on their curveball than Morton (min. 500 curveballs thrown)...batters hit .111 against his curveball, which was the best mark among Major League starters...went at least 5.0 innings in each of his 25 starts, which was the longest streak of his career...was the second-longest start-of-career streak in Astros history, behind RHP Brett Myers (51 starts from 2010-11)...led the Astros with two pickofffs...was on the Astros Opening Day roster and started the third game of the season...had one DL stint...placed on the 10-day DL on May 28 with a strained right lat...activated from the DL on July 7...prior to hitting the DL on May 25, went 5-3 with a 4.06 ERA (26ER/57.2IP) and a .253 opponent batting average in 10 starts...in 15 starts after returning from the DL, went 9-4 with a 3.34 ERA (33ER/89IP), a .210 opponent batting average and 98 strikeouts...ranked among the top 10 AL pitchers in wins (T-4th), strikeouts (8th), strikeouts per 9.0 innings (9th, 9.91) and opponent batting average (4th) after his return from the DL... set a career high with 12 strikeouts on April 28 vs. OAK...was his second career double-digit strikeout game... became the first Astros pitcher with 12 strikeouts in a game since LHP Dallas Keuchel struck out 12 on Sept. 6, 2015 vs. MIN...won his 50th career game in the Major Leagues on May 9 vs. ATL, his former organization...struck out at least five batters in 12 consecutive starts from July 14-Sept. 23, which was the longest streak of his career (previously 8, June 2-July 12, 2014)...had 86 strikeouts in 70.2 innings in that span...had a strong finish to the season, going 4-1 with a 2.54 ERA (8ER/28.1IP) in five starts during the month of September...made three rehab appearances between Triple A Fresno (June 22 and June 27) and Double A Corpus Christi (July 2)...gave up just one earned run in those 10.1 rehab innings...made five apperances (four starts) in the postseason, going 2-1 with a 4.24 ERA (11ER/23.1IP) and 25 strikeouts...started Game 4 of the ALDS at BOS, giving up two runs on seven hits in 4.1 innings, striking out six in a 5-4 Astros win...started Game 3 of the ALCS at NYY (7ER/3.2IP)...also started Game 7 of the ALCS vs. NYY, getting the win after throwing 5.0 shutout innings of two-hit ball...walked one and struck out five...prior to his outing, the last pitcher to be scoreless over at least 5.0 innings in a Game 7 was Madison Bumgarner in the 2014 World Series...the last pitcher to be scoreless over at least 5.0 innings of a Game 7, while striking out at least five batters, was Jack Morris in the 1991 World Series...started Game 4 of the World Series vs. LAD and tossed a quality start, giving up just one run in 6.1 innings pitched, allowing three hits and no walks with seven strikeouts...the Astros lost that game 6-2...faced the minimum through 5.0 innings...his seven strikeouts marked a postseason career high, and tied the most by an Astros starter in a World Series game (also Brandon Backe)...got the win in Game 7 of the World Series at LAD after throwing the final 4.0 innings...allowed one run on two hits with four strikeouts...became the fifth pitcher in MLB history to get the win in Game 7 of the World Series after throwing 4.0+ relief innings...joined Bob Turley (1958), Joe Page (1947), Ray Kremer (1925) and Walter Johnson (1924).
2016
In his only season with the Phillies, made four starts, going 1-1 with a 4.15 ERA (8ER/17.1IP)...held opponents to a .651 OPS and .242 opponent batting average...was placed on the 15-day DL with a left hamstring strain on April 24 and missed the remainder of the season...underwent successful surgery on May 2 and later transferred to the 60-day DL on June 1...became a free agent for the first time in his career and would sign a two year contract with the Astros on Nov. 16, 2016.
2015
Began season on the 15-day DL while recovering from right hip surgery...Appeared in extended spring training, Altoona (AA) and Indianapolis (AAA) while rehabbing the injury, 4/18-5/24...Activated on 5/25 and made his season debut that night vs MIA...Had a career-best five-game winning streak with a 1.62 ERA (6 ER, 33.1 IP), 5/25-6/16...Snapped an 0-for-24 streak at the plate with a hit on 6/16...Had a 14.1-inning scoreless streak, 6/10-16...Went hitless in his final 29 at-bats
2014
Posted his highest starts and innings pitched totals since the 2011 season (29 starts/171.2ip)...Set a career high in strikeouts...Posted a 2.41 ERA (74.2ip/20er) in his 12 starts at PNC Park...Led all Major League pitchers with 19 hit batsmen...Made season debut on 4/2 and struck out six batters in 6.0 scoreless innings vs. Chicago (NL)...Lost each of his first six decisions thru 5/18, but posted a 3.45 ERA in that time...Pitched season-high 8.0 innings in a no-decision on 5/6 vs. San Francisco...Picked up first win in his 10th start on 5/23 vs. Washington (5.0ip/1er)...Went six straight starts (38.0ip) without allowing a home run between 4/23 and 5/23...Posted a 2.51 ERA (37.1ip/10er) in six starts during the month of May...Struck out nine batters while winning his second game on 6/2 at San Diego...Won his second straight start on 6/9 vs. Chicago (7.0ip/1er/7so)...Struck out a career-high 11 batters, but suffered a 5-1 loss to David Price on 6/25 at Tampa Bay...Opposed Adam Wainwright and gave up just one hit while pitching 7.0 scoreless frames at St. Louis on 7/7, but received a no-decision in the 2-0 Cardinals walkoff win in the ninth inning...Gave up five runs in a season-low 3.0ip on 8/15 at Washington...Was placed on the 15-day disabled list on 8/17 (retro to 8/16) with right hip inflammation...Had a bullpen session on 8/22 in Milwaukee and another one on 8/25 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh...Made a rehab start with Double-A Altoona on 8/28 and threw 73 pitches in a no-decision vs. Richmond (4.0ip/4h/2r/2er/1bb/6so)...Threw a simulated game on 9/2 at Busch Stadium (77 pitches) and another one on 9/9 at Citizens Bank Park (86 pitches)...Was reinstated from D.L. on 9/16 and made start that night vs. Boston; tossed 5.0 scoreless innings and picked up the win - his first since 7/2...Underwent surgery on 9/26 to repair the labrum in his right hip; the surgery was performed by Dr. Thomas Byrd in Nashville, TN...Went 2-for-40 (.050) with an RBI, one walk and eight sacrifice bunts at the plate with the Pirates.
2013
2013 SEASON: Began season on 15-day disabled list recovering from right elbow surgery...Began a rehab assignment with High-A Bradenton on 4/18 and threw 44 pitches in 3.0 innings (2r)...Threw 69 pitches over four scoreless innings for Double-A Altoona and allowed one hit in start on 4/23...Made second start with Altoona on 4/28 vs. Erie and won a 3-1 decision (6.0ip/3h/1r/1er/1bb/4so - 70 pitches)...Had rehab transferred to Triple-A Indianapolis, where he made first start on 5/3 at Lehigh Valley; left game after 3.0 innings (49 pitches) due to tightness in right shoulder...Was recalled from rehab assignment on 5/4...Threw a 43-pitch bullpen session at PNC Park on 5/13...Made rehab starts with Altoona on 5/16 (4.0ip/2h/2r/2er/1bb/1so - 61 pitches) and 5/21 (4.2ip/4h/2r/2er/2bb/3so - 80 pitches)...Welcomed the birth of his son, Charles Alfred V, on 5/23...Had rehab transferred to Indianapolis on 5/27 and suffered a 9-1 loss that night vs. Pawtucket (5.0ip/7h/5r/4er/3bb/3so - 88 pitches)...Was transferred to the 60-day D.L. on 5/31...Threw 86 pitches in rehab start with Indy on 6/2 at Columbus (4.2ip/3h/2r/2er/4bb/4so)...Made ninth and final rehab start on 6/8 with Indianapolis vs. Norfolk (6.1ip/6h/2r/2er/1bb/4so - 96 pitches)...Was recalled from rehab and reinstated from D.L. on 6/13...Made start on 6/13 vs. San Francisco (5.0ip/4r/2er) and suffered loss in his first big league game since 5/29/12...Threw 5.1 innings of scoreless ball while winning his first big league game since 5/12/12 in a 4-0 victory at Cincinnati on 6/18...Did not return in his start on 6/30 vs. Milwaukee after 2.0 innings due to a 2:20 rain delay...Surrendered a pair of two-run homers to Alfonso Soriano and lost a 4-2 decision at Wrigley Field on 7/6...Won back-to-back starts on 7/22 and 7/27...Gave up 10 hits and five runs in 6.0ip while losing his third game on 8/1 vs. St. Louis; also snapped an 0-for-27 streak at the plate with a single off Joe Kelly in the game (first big league hit since 9/20/11)...Pitched 7.0 innings and surrendered just two runs while winning his fourth game on 8/7 vs. Miami; also tallied an RBI-single - his first big league RBI since 7/24/11...Posted a 2.68 ERA (40.1ip/12er) in August and won a career-high four straight decisions from 8/7 thru 9/2...Left his start on 9/8 at St. Louis with discomfort in left foot (1.2ip/5er)...Pitched 7.0 scoreless innings of three-hit ball on 9/23 at Chicago (NL), but received a no-decision in Pittsburgh's 2-1 win...Tied career high (eighth time) with five walks in final regular season start on 9/28 at Cincinnati...Posted a 2.85 ERA (53.2ip/17er) in nine starts at PNC Park...Held right-handed hitters to a .223 (55-for-247) average; left-handed batters hit .312 (58-for-186)...Went 5-for-36 (.139) with an RBI and two sac bunts at the plate...Agreed to terms on a three-year contract extension on 12/11.
2013 POSTSEASON: Was the starter and loser in Game Four of the N.L.D.S. vs. St. Louis...Opposed Michael Wacha, who took a no-hitter into the eighth inning, and pitched 5.0 scoreless frames before surrendering a two-run homer to Carlos Beltran in the sixth inning; the Pirates lost the game, 2-1.
2012
Began season on 15-day disabled list recovering from off-season hip surgery...Received a no-decision in his rehab start with Triple-A Indianapolis on 4/9 at Columbus...Was recalled from rehab and reinstated from D.L. on 4/14; made first start with Pirates that night at San Francisco (ND, 5.0ip/3er)...Suffered loss in second start on 4/20 vs. St. Louis (5.0ip/2r/1er)...Gave up one run in 7.0 innings and won first game on 4/25 vs. Colorado...Lost back-to-back starts on 5/1 and 5/6...Won his second and final game of the season on 5/12 vs. Houston...Lost each of his last three starts...Pitched a season-low 4.0 innings in final start on 5/29 vs. Cincinnati...Was placed on the 15-day D.L. on 6/1 (retro to 5/30) with right elbow inflammation...Had surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow (Tommy John surgery) on 6/14; surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews in Pensacola, FL...Was transferred to the 60-day D.L. on 6/24...Spent the rest of the summer months rehabbing the elbow at Pirate City in Bradenton, Fla.
2011
Led Pittsburgh staff with 171.2 innings pitched and his 10 wins ranked second behind Kevin Correia (12)...Surrendered just six home runs - the fewest amount allowed by all Major League pitchers with at least 110.0ip...Went 6-3 with a 2.47 ERA (102.0ip/28er) in 16 starts when pitching on five or more days of rest...Held right-handed batters to a .220 average (84-for-381) and one home run, while lefties hit .364 (102-for- 280) with five home runs against him...Won his first two decisions - matching his victory total from a year ago...Tossed his second complete game in his third start on 4/15 at Cincinnati, throwing 81 of his 110 pitches for strikes...Suffered first loss on 4/20 at Florida... Left his start on 4/26 vs. San Francisco with a 2-1 lead in 7th inning, but bullpen suffered 3-2 loss...Won career-high three straight starts from 5/1-18 to improve record to 5-1... Tossed a five-hit shutout (second career) and his second complete game of the season on 5/18 at Cincinnati...Went 3-1 with a 2.06 ERA (35.0ip/8er) in five starts during the month of May; ranked seventh in the N.L. in ERA...Had a 7-3 record and a 3.21 ERA following his 13th start on 6/15 at Houston...Tossed 5.0 scoreless innings and combined with four other pitchers on a three-hit shutout vs. Cincinnati on 7/18...Produced a club season-high and career-high 24.0 innings scoreless streak from 7/29 to 8/14...Pitched 8.0 scoreless frames and combined with Jose Veras on a 5-0 blanking at San Francisco on 8/8 while winning his ninth decision...Left his next two starts with leads only to have the bullpen suffer blown saves...Lost four straight starts from 8/25 thru 9/14...Missed his scheduled start on 9/10 due to arm fatigue...Tossed 6.0 scoreless innings while winning his 10th game on 9/20 at Arizona...Received a no-decision in his final start on 9/26 at Milwaukee (5.0ip/5er); left the game with a 7-5 lead...Went 4-for-50 (.080) with three doubles and two RBI as a batter...Tallied both RBI on sacrifice flies; on 5/1 at Colorado and 7/24 vs. St. Louis...Snapped an 0-for-29 streak with a double at Milwaukee on 8/14...Led club, and tied for seventh in the N.L., with seven sacrifice bunts.
2010
Began season in Pittsburgh's starting rotation...Went 0-5 with a 12.57 ERA (19.1ip/31r/27er) in his first five starts, giving up at least five runs in all five outings...Lasted just 1.0+ inning and gave up six runs in third start on 4/20 vs. Milwaukee...Gave up two runs in 6.0ip+ and won first game on 5/5 vs. Chicago (NL)...Lost his next four starts and was 1-9 with a 9.35 ERA (43.1ip/52r/45er) after his first 10 starts thru 5/27...Was on the disabled list with right shoulder fatigue from 5/28 to 7/2...Made five starts with Triple-A Indianapolis while on a rehab assignment from 6/8-29...Pitched a two-hitter and gave up just one run while winning his fourth rehab start on 6/24 vs. Durham...Was recalled from rehab, reinstated from the D.L. and optioned to Indianapolis on 7/1...Won three of his last four Triple-A decisions...Went 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA (24.0ip/6r/4er) in four starts with Indy during the month of August...Was recalled by Pittsburgh on 8/28...Suffered an 8-4 loss (3.1ip/8r/7er) in first start back with Pirates on 8/29 at Milwaukee...Also gave up six runs (two earned) while suffering an 8-1 loss vs. Washington on 9/5...Received back-to-back no-decisions before winning an 11- 6 decision (6.0ip/2er) vs. St. Louis on 9/22; the victory snapped his six-game losing streak with the Bucs that dated back to 5/11...Struck out a career-high nine batters (also a season-high for a Pittsburgh pitcher), but suffered a 2-0 loss in final start on 10/2 at Florida...Went 1-3 with a 5.45 ERA (36.1ip/22er) in his last seven big league starts...Went 1-for-26 at the plate...Snapped an 0-for-22 streak with a single off Kyle Lohse on 9/27.
2009
Went 7-2 with a 2.26 ERA (71.2ip/18er) in 11 minor league starts before being recalled by the Pirates on 6/10...Went on to post big league career highs in wins, games, innings pitched and strikeouts...Began season with Gwinnett (Braves' AAA) and gave up just one hit and one run while winning his first start on 4/12 at Charlotte; also struck out 12 batters and walked one in 6.0ip...Whiffed 10 batters and gave up two hits and one run, but suffered loss in fifth start on 5/3 at Pawtucket...Went 5-0 with a 1.40 ERA (38.2ip/6er) in final five starts with Gwinnett...Tossed a seven-hit shutout in final game with the Braves on 5/29 at Syracuse...Was acquired by Pittsburgh on 6/3 and was assigned to Triple-A Indianapolis...Made lone start with the Indians on 6/4 vs. Lehigh Valley and pitched 7.0 scoreless innings in a no-decision (Indy won the game 1-0 with a run in the bottom of the 9th)...Was recalled by the Pirates on 6/10...Made first start for the Bucs on 6/10 at Atlanta, but was removed after tossing a scoreless first inning due to tightness in right hamstring...Was skipped in the rotation his next time thru and did not start again until 6/20 at Colorado; received a no-decision that night (5.0ip/2er) in club's 9-7 walkoff loss...Suffered loss in third start - and first at PNC Park - a 3-2 setback to Zack Greinke and the Royals on 6/28...Surrendered just one hit and tossed 6.0 scoreless innings while winning first game in a Pittsburgh uniform on 7/3 at Florida...Gave up five runs in 4.0ip and lost second decision on 7/8 at Houston...Pitched 7.0 scoreless innings in a combined shutout (2-0) vs. San Francisco in first start after the All-Star break on 7/18...Lost four straight decisions from 7/28 thru 8/14...Gave up 10 runs in 1.0ip+ at Wrigley Field on 8/14 (Pirates lost 17-2)...Snapped four-game skid with win vs. Cincinnati on 8/21 (6.1ip/2er)...Suffered seventh loss on 9/1 at Cincinnati; also tallied RBI-single in the game...Gave up three runs in 6.0ip, but lost eighth game on 9/11 at Houston...Pitched 7.0 innings and gave up just one run while winning fourth game on 9/18 vs. San Diego...Tossed 7.0 innings again, but lost a 4-1 decision to Cincinnati on 9/24 at PNC Park...Recorded first Major League shutout and whiffed career-high eight batters while tossing four-hitter in final start on 9/30 at Chicago (game 1)...Won two of his last three starts and posted a 1.95 ERA (23.0ip/5er) while tossing at least 7.0 innings in all three starts...Went 3-3 with a 3.50 ERA (46.1ip/18er) in last seven starts (after giving up 10 runs in Chicago on 8/14)...The Pirates went 7-11 in his 18 starts...Went 4-for-31 (.129) with one RBI at the plate.
2008
Rookie split the season between Richmond (AAA) and Atlanta, making his MLB debut on 6/14 at LAA...Won his major league debut on 6/14 at LAA (6.0 IP/3 ER). Four of his six innings were 1-2-3 frames and...Ranked fifth on the Braves with his 15 starts...He was 1-6 with a 7.02 ERA in eight home starts and 3-2 with a 5.08 ERA in seven road starts. Held opponents to a .240 average on the road, but .299 at home. he fanned the first two hitters he faced (Figgins and Izturis)...As a starter (15 games), he went 4-8 with a 6.32 ERA...Made first career relief appearance on 9/21 vs. NYM going 2.0 scoreless innings. It was his first appearance since 9/2 at FLA when he was sidelined with a sore back...Was recalled on 7/28 for the second time this season and had his roughest outing later that night when he allowed a career-high eight runs on seven hits in 3.2 innings of Atlanta's 12-3 loss vs. STL...Had his contract purchased on 6/14 from Richmond, where he was 5-2 with a 2.05 ERA in 12 starts (also made one relief appearance)...Posted a quality start in four of his six games in August...Won for the first time in eight home starts and snapped a three-game losing streak by beating FLA, 4-2, on 8/28 in Atlanta. He allowed just two runs on four hits in 6.0 IP...Allowed four runs on a career-high five walks in a career-low 1.1 IP on 8/22 at STL in an 18-3 Cardinals blowout. The loss marked his sixth in seven starts dating to 7/22 at FLA...Suffered a 3-1 loss to the Giants on 8/17, while going 6.0 strong innings. He struck out a career-high six batters with a career-high 111 pitches and allowed three runs on seven hits...After two seven-inning starts, he went just 2.1 IP on 8/13 vs. CHI in a 10-2 loss. He allowed four runs on four hits and issued four walks for the third time in five starts...Matched his career high for the second consecutive outing with 7.0 IP on 8/7 at ARI and allowed no runs for the first time in his 10 career starts. He picked up the win in the 6-4 victory to snap his three-game losing streak that dated back to 7/22...His 7.0 IP in the 4-2 loss on 8/2 vs. MIL marked a new career high. He held the Brewers to two runs on four hits with a walk and four strikeouts. He allowed one hit through 6.0 IP and retired 15 consecutive batters until a Prince Fielder solo HR in the seventh inning...Was saddled with a 4-0 loss on 7/22 at FLA. Held the Marlins to two hits in 5.2 IP, but he allowed four runs, all with two outs, including a three-spot in the fourth inning on Mike Jacobs' three-run homer...Won his second game, and first against an NL team, with a 4-1 win at SD on 7/12. It marked his fewest runs allowed in his brief career...Allowed six runs, all with two outs, in 6.0 IP on 7/6 vs. HOU. Did not earn a decision in the Braves' 7-6, 17-inning win. Houston scored five runs in the third inning, capped by a Ty Wigginton grand slam...Was on the losing end of a tough-luck 4-3 loss to Milwaukee on 6/24 (6.0 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K) as Atlanta committed a season-high four errors, including three in the first inning that led to two unearned runs. The Braves did not score a run while Charlie was in the game...Allowed three runs in five innings 6/19 at TEX and got a ND in the 5-4 loss. He squandered a 2-0 lead with some tough luck, allowing a run in the fifth inning and then after an infield hit and a walk he was removed from the game only to see both runners score on a three-run home run...Held Triple-A hitters to a .181 average by allowing 51 hits in 79.0 innings. He also did not allow a HR...Worked five or more innings in 11 of his 13 Triple-A appearances...Had his best outing (minor league) of the season at DUR on 6/3. He struck out a career-high 13 and allowed one hit and one walk in 8.0 IP...Bounced back from his first loss of season by tossing 7.0 shutout innings in a 3-0 win over SYR on 5/29...Faced ROC for the second time in three starts and earned his first win of the season in Game 1 on 4/15 (7.0, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K).
2007
Spent entire season at Mississippi (Braves' AA) and finished third on the squad in appearances...Made first outing in relief on 4/6 at Huntsville and escaped a bases loaded jam to record his first Double-A win...Went 2-0 with a 2.79 ERA (9.2ip/3er) in his first seven games, picking up second win on 4/23 vs. Birmingham...Suffered losses in back-to-back appearances on 5/16 at Birmingham and 5/20 vs. Tennessee...Received a no-decision in first start on 5/31 at Charlotte (5.0ip/1h/1r/1er/1bb/5so)...Was victorious in back-to-back outings on 6/4 vs. West Tenn and 6/7 at Birmingham...Gave up seven runs in 3.1ip in second start on 6/26 vs. Montgomery and suffered the loss...Lost his last three decisions...Suffered loss in third start on 8/5 vs. Huntsville (5.1ip/3er)...Made final three appearances as a starter, losing at Jacksonville on 8/23 (5.0ip/3r/2er) and receiving no-decisions in final two starts on 8/28 vs. Birmingham (7.0ip/2h/1r/1er/0bb/7so) and 9/2 vs. Mobile (2.0ip/1h/0r)...Went 4-3 with a 4.15 ERA (52.0ip/24er) in 35 regular season relief appearances and 0-3 with a 4.55 ERA (27.2ip/14er) in six starts...Started Game Two of the Southern League Division Series and pitched 7.0 innings while leading Mississippi to a series-tying win...Posted a 4-1 record and a 2.57 ERA in six games (five starts) for Peoria during the Arizona Fall League...Held opponents to a .205 average and his four wins tied for second in the league.
2006
Split season between bullpen and starting rotation while spending season with Myrtle Beach (Braves' A)...Went 4-5 with a 5.29 ERA (66.1ip/39er) in 14 starts and 2-2 with two saves and a 5.61 ERA (33.2ip/21er) in 16 relief appearances...Ranked third on staff in innings pitched and strikeouts...Made final eight outings in relief...Picked up first save on 8/22 at Wilmington and second one on 8/28 at Frederick.
2005
Was rated by Baseball America as having the "Best Curveball" in the Atlanta system prior to the season...Spent second straight full season with Rome (Braves' A)...Established minor league career highs in starts and innings pitched...Began season in starting rotation and went 1-6 with a 6.15 ERA in 14 starts before making first of four relief appearances on 6/26 vs. Columbus...Picked up lone save (third career) on 7/21 at Asheville...Went 3-1 with a 2.25 ERA (28.0ip/7er) in five games (four starts) during the month of August and earned Pitcher-of-the-Month honors; he led starting pitchers in ERA and held opponents to a .176 average...Won his final three decisions and made last five appearances as a starter.
2004
Spent entire season with Rome...Went 4-8 with a 4.97 ERA (88.2ip/49er) in 18 starts and 3-1 with a 4.34 ERA (29.0ip/14er) in nine relief appearances...Posted a 2.45 ERA (14.2ip/4er) in four games during the month of April...Pitched 4.0 innings of scoreless relief and picked up victory in first game on 4/9 vs. Augusta...Received a no-decision in first start on 4/15 at Cape Fear (3.2ip/2r/1er). ...Earned first professional save on 4/21 vs. Lakewood...Picked up second save on 5/25 vs. Greensboro...Made 11 of his final 12 appearances as a starter...Was victorious in final outing on 9/3 vs. Greensboro.
2003
Went 2-5 with a 4.75 ERA in 13 starts and 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA in one relief appearance with Danville, Atlanta's entry in the Appalachian League...Made first appearance in relief on 6/16 before making 13 straight starts to finish the campaign...Lost his first three decisions...Won first game in ninth start on 8/1 at Johnson City (game two).
2002
Allowed just one home run in 39.2 innings of work with the Gulf Coast League Braves during his first professional season...Went 1-3 with a 3.98 ERA (20.1ip/9er) in five starts and 0-4 with a 5.12 ERA (19.1ip/11er) in six relief appearances...Lost his first six decisions before winning lone game on 8/15 at GCL Marlins.
