When the Phillies summoned left-handed pitcher Adam Morgan from AAA Lehigh Valley, it seemed that the Phillies were desperate. With an 0-6 record and 4.74 earned run average, Adam Morgan did not appear to be someone ready for the Major Leagues. But Morgan was recalled to face the St. Louis Cardinals in June for what seemingly was a spot start. Morgan got the win in his debut, and has stayed in the Phillies rotation since. Until now.
John Donovan of MLB.com reports that the Phillies approached Morgan to ask him to consider shutting it down for the year, and Morgan will hang up his cleats for 2015:
After his good outing Friday, interim manager Pete Mackanin and other team officials approached the pitcher to ask about his health and the likelihood of taking another start or two. "He wasn't sure whether he should continue or not," Mackanin said. "Basically, the indecision on his part led us to make that decision."
Morgan says he feels good, and he wondered about bowing out early. "I don't want to come across as someone who just shuts it down," he said.
Morgan hopes to land a Phillies rotation spot in 2016.
Morgan compiled a record of 5-7 with a 4.48 earned run average. There were times that Morgan could have easily earned a win instead of a loss with some run support. While Morgan's season is not one that should have fans overly excited, Morgan finished the season with a WAR of 1.0. At the very least, Morgan's season could be called "commendable" given the fact that he was coming off of should surgery, dealing with a velocity loss, and being thrown into the Major Leagues.
Morgan is no lock for the Phillies rotation in 2016, but he has likely learned at least some consideration and a big league Spring Training.
