Morton on OD start: 'It does mean a lot'

ST. PETERSBURG -- When Rays manager Kevin Cash told Charlie Morton that the right-hander was getting his first career Opening Day start on Friday against the Blue Jays, his reaction was exactly what you would expect.

"He just kind of shrugged his shoulders [and said], 'OK,'" Cash said with a laugh.

In just a year with the Rays, there isn’t a player or staff member who would say anything negatively about Morton. “Selfless” is the word that is used most frequently to describe Morton. He was Tampa Bay’s ace on the field last season, but he also served as a much-needed calming veteran presence inside the clubhouse. That combination is why Cash and the Rays will be giving Morton the ball on Opening Day and relying on him to lead one of the best pitching staffs in baseball.

“He’s earned it performance-wise, and he has definitely earned it from a clubhouse perspective and a teammate perspective,” Cash said. “Really happy for him even though it’s an odd Opening Day start.”

Making an Opening Day start took a lot longer than Morton anticipated, but after making a career-high 33 starts and going 16-6 with a 3.05 ERA last season, the decision was an easy one for Cash and the Rays.

“It does mean a lot," Morton said. "It’s one of those things that you would like to experience at least one time. Kind of like being an All-Star, you want to experience that at least one time. It’s really one of those things -- it’s an honor to do it and to just have the opportunity for your organization and your family, and just the game in general.”

Morton did acknowledge that he hasn’t had much time to think about his overall emotions. He mentioned that he’s excited because he believes fans are eager to watch baseball after four months, but he wishes his wife, kids, parents and sister could have the opportunity to witness the moment in person.

“Honestly, it would’ve been nice to have my parents, my sister and obviously my wife and kids to see it, because it is a big deal,” Morton said. “It’s been a long time in the game, but on the flip side, my family has had an opportunity to watch a lot of games and be a part of a lot of special moments. Me playing baseball, in a lot of ways, has brought our family a little closer.

“Everybody, for the most part, has had to make a sacrifice, and there are a lot of people that have gone through a lot worse than having to pitch in front of a fanless crowd for a baseball game. You could do a lot worse, right? I’m actually looking forward to [Opening Day]. I think people are looking forward to watching the game and I’m glad that we can go out and do that.”

Morton pitched in his final tuneup on Sunday, tossing 2 2/3 innings in a simulated game. Morton threw five innings in his previous sim game, which should make him available to give the Rays length on Opening Day. He did say it “felt weird” because of how different it has been to build up during Summer Camp.

“I know I have it in me to do what’s asked of me next week,” Morton said. “But at the same time, I feel weird because I don’t feel like I’m ready to throw seven innings. But I feel like my stuff is good. I feel like, command-wise, I’m in a decent spot, and I’m looking forward to getting out there and getting the ball and also just getting this going.”