Atomic RoadRunners | Andrew Flynn’s High-Energy Fantasy Baseball

Charlie Morton let up six earned runs on eight hits Sunday but the Braves rescued him with a 7-6 win after 17 innings. Morton also walked two. He hasn’t been close to decent in two consecutive starts and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Braves begin looking elsewhere for rotation help. His ERA shot up to 6.84, but he escaped with a no-decision and remains 1-2 over five starts. If he gets another shot, Morton will face the Padres. (Rotoworld)

Charlie Morton gave up five runs and lasted just two innings with one strikeout and one walk in Tuesday’s loss to Philadelphia. Morton, who made his big-league debut on June 14, pitched fairly well over his first three starts with the Braves, but had his first taste of major adversity tonight. He had only allowed one run through the first two innings, but was pulled after giving up six straight hits to start the third.Expect some ups and downs as the rookie gets used to the majors. His minor league strikeout numbers show he can succeed in the majors, but it may take awhile. Morton, a two-start pitcher in Fantasy week 14 (June 30-July 6) who makes his next start Sunday against Houston, has now lost back-to-back starts, though he pitched much better on June 24 against Milwaukee. This was easily his worst outing in four starts on the year and he is only worth starting in NL-only leagues for the time being. (Rotowire, Rotoworld, CBS Sports)

FAAB Acquisitions:

• P Thomas Hanson, Braves [$3 bid, reserve]
• P Jared Burton, Reds [$2 bid, reserve]

Up:

• P Todd Wellemeyer, Cardinals
• P Charlie Morton, Braves

Down:

• P Brett Myers, Phillies

Cut:

• P Sean Marshall, Cubs
• C Carlos Ruiz, Phillies

Charlie Morton gave up four runs (two earned) over six innings in Tuesday’s loss to Milwaukee. He struck out four batters with one walk. He didn’t get much help from his defense as the Braves made three errors in the first inning. His control was much better after walking four batters in his last outing. Morton started despite battling a high temperature and other flulike symptoms, manager Bobby Cox said before the game. His next scheduled start is scheduled for Tuesday against the Phillies. (Rotowire, CBS Sports)

FAAB Acquisition:

• P - Sean Marshall, Cubs [$2 bid - Add to Actives]

Down:

• P - Charlie Morton, Braves

Cut:

• P - Greg Reynolds, Rockies

Notes:

Yes, Greg Reynolds was released last week as well.  But as part of the Jorge Campillo mess, Reynolds was kept due to an available roster spot for an additional week.

Charlie Morton gave up three runs over five innings with three strikeouts and four walks, but got a no-decision in Thursday’s loss to Texas. Morton followed up his good debut with a decent outing in a tough ballpark, but the four walks are a concern. Atlanta took a 2-1 lead into the sixth before Morton, who started the game with four scoreless innings, ran into trouble in his second big-league start. He allowed a bunt single to David Murphy and a walk to Marlon Byrd before Braves manager Bobby Cox brought in Jeff Ridgway from the bullpen. Rangers OF Brandon Boggs, an Atlanta-area resident and Georgia Tech product, then pulled an 0-2 pitch into the left-field seats for his third homer. Texas went up 4-2 and Morton was on the hook for the loss before Atlanta tied the game in the ninth. He walked four and struck out three. Still, he’s someone to grab in NL-only leagues and keeper leagues. Morton has allowed just three earned runs in his first two starts and could be 2-0 with a little more offensive support Thursday. Morton was the talk of spring training and was pitching extremely well for Triple-A Richmond before injuries forced his recall. He is worth starting in all NL-only Fantasy formats and larger mixed leagues at this time. His next scheduled start is for Tuesday against the Brewers. (Rotowire, CBS Sports)

RotoProfessor had a lengthy feature today studying the allure of new callup (and new Roadrunner) Charlie Morton:

What’s amazing to me is that Seth McClung, who has had 3 straight strong starts, is owned by only 7% of owners in CBS leagues.  Do I think McClung should be owned in more leagues?  No, I’m not saying that, but in my mind he has just as much a chance to pitch well, if not a better chance, then Morton.

At least McClung, a former first-round pick, has made 5 starts in the majors, 4 of which he has allowed 2 runs or less.  He had one rough start against the Braves, but otherwise it has been impressive pitching, more impressive then Morton’s one start, actually.

If Morton goes out tonight against the Rangers and shuts them down over 6 innings, my opinion may change.  Honestly, I would think the chances of him getting shelled for 5 runs is more likely, however.  If you are among the 26% who have already grabbed him, I wish you luck.  I’m certainly among the 74% of leagues who are still sitting back and waiting, and I would recommend you do the same.  He just doesn’t have any type of track record to show me anything different at the moment.

Hmm, perhaps I jumped too soon with too much FAAB?

Marlins SP Josh Johnson, who had Tommy John surgery last August, made his first rehab start Saturday, allowing two runs on eight hits and striking out seven in five innings for Class A Greensboro. He’s expected to make his next rehab start for Class A Jupiter. Johnson wasn’t expected back until September or so, but if he can get through a month of rehab without any trouble, he could be back in Florida next month. He is a top prospect and a DL stashee for all leagues where you can afford to wait until his return. There will be plenty reports on his progress in the coming weeks, so stay tuned. (CBS Sports)

Brewers SP Seth McClung continued his resurgence as a starter, lifting the Brewers to a 4-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Sunday. McClung (4-3) continued his superb turnaround since leaving the long relief role in the bullpen, scattering two runs and four hits, including a solo home run by Jason Kubel. He didn’t issue a walk and struck out four. The righty nicknamed “Chucky” after the horror movie character has pitched six innings in each of his last three starts, giving up a total of five earned runs with 13 strikeouts against just one walk. “My mechanics have always been fine, it’s just mentally, a mindset of just really not trying to overthrow that’s gotten me where I am right now,” said McClung, who was once a top-rated prospect in the Tampa Bay system before injuries and inconsistency eventually led the organization to trade him last season. McClung has done well with the Brewers, but we still like him more just as a NL-only Fantasy option. His next scheduled start is for Saturday against the Orioles. (CBS Sports)

Charlie Morton won in his major league debut, leading the Atlanta Braves to a 9-4 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday night. Morton, whose contract was purchased from the Braves’ Triple-A Richmond club earlier in the day, allowed three runs and five hits in six innings with four strikeouts and a walk. The 24-year-old right-hander is the ninth pitcher to start a game for the Braves, who have John Smoltz, Tom Glavine and Mike Hampton on the disabled list. A third-round pick in the 2002 draft, Morton threw 64 of his 104 pitches for strikes. He was 5-2 with a 2.05 ERA in his first season at Triple-A and didn’t allow a home run in his 79 innings. He now finds himself in a contender’s rotation and is a must-add in all NL-only leagues and long-term keeper leagues at this point. His numbers suggest he can help in mixed leagues as well. His next start is slated for Thursday afternoon at Texas. (CBS Sports)

FAAB Acquisitions:

• P Charlie Morton, Braves [$9 bid, add to actives]
• P Seth McClung, Brewers [$6 bid, add to actives]
• P Josh Johnson, Marlins [$0 bid]

Up:

• 3B/OF Chase Headley (to Utility)
• OF John Bowker
• P Jorge Campillo
• P Mike Gonzalez

Down:

• P Jason Marquis
• P Carlos Villanueva
• P Todd Wellemeyer
• P Jason Bergmann
• OF Ryan Spilborghs
• 3B Blake DeWitt

Cut:

• P Manny Acosta
• P Greg Reynolds
• P Doug Brocail