NORTH PORT, Fla. — Braves right-hander Charlie Morton, at age 39, appreciates seeing the team’s other starters blossom.
After completing his second spring start Saturday, Morton spoke with reporters at the team’s Florida complex. When asked about the talent in the Braves’ rotation – that includes Max Fried, Spencer Strider and Kyle Wright – and how good that group can be, Morton explained the fulfillment he experiences by seeing his teammates succeed.
“I’ve been fortunate now for a few years to be part of some really good staffs,” he said. “Not just the starting rotation but really good pitching staffs. It’s fun because you have a little bit of an identity. It’s also fun to watch your teammates and your pals do well. That’s what I focus on more now, whereas before, like with Houston in ‘18, I was on a staff with (Justin) Verlander, (Gerrit) Cole, (Dallas) Keuchel, (Lance) McCullers, Cy Young (award) guys. It was like, ‘Holy cow. I better step up my game a little bit here.’ But it was fun to be part of that. I think now, though, maybe more with the stage I’m at in my career, I’m just pulling for guys.”
