Overview

• Detroit acquired Morton from Baltimore at the Aug. 1 deadline in exchange for 22-year-old prospect Micah Ashman, clearing salary and opening rotation space
• Morton began the season with a 10.89 ERA in five starts and a bullpen demotion before mechanical tweaks fueled his 7–1 run over 11 outings
• The Tigers enter Sunday’s finale tied for the AL’s best record at 65–47 but have suffered setbacks with Reese Olson sidelined and Alex Cobb’s return pushed back
• To make room for Morton, Detroit shifted rookie Troy Melton to the bullpen, prompting debate over veteran experience versus young upside
• Ashman has impressed at Double-A with a 1.49 ERA, 50 strikeouts and just nine walks in 42⅔ innings, giving Baltimore a high-ceiling arm