How long will Orioles stick with Morton? | MAILBAG

Question: After five very poor starts, it’s obvious that Charlie Morton has nothing left and can’t get big league hitters out consistently. Are the O’s on the hook for his whole contract this year? It was obvious a few weeks ago that he should have been designated for assignment. From: Curt M.

Answer: Curt, Michael Janofsky also questions why the Orioles stick with Morton, especially with Brandon Young also on the 40-man roster.

Yes, the Orioles must pay Morton the entire $15 million he’s owed, even if he’s released after a month of the season. The problem is there aren’t many options for replacing him.

The Orioles began spring training with nine options for starting pitchers. Five of them — Zach Eflin, Chayce McDermott, Grayson Rodriguez, Trevor Rogers and Albert Suárez — are on the injured list. Other than Young, who must stay down in the minor leagues for 15 days unless he’s replacing a pitcher on the injured list, they don’t seem to have any other options for starters other than Kyle Gibson, who is likely to pitch for the Orioles on Friday.

I think there could be some changes when Eflin, McDermott and Rogers are ready to pitch in the big leagues.

Question: I have a hard time understanding DFAing Scott Blewett, who was pretty good, then bringing up Cody Poteet?  Why get rid of Blewett who had performed? From: Mike Taylor, Virginia Beach

Answer: Mike, I was impressed with Blewett’s work, too. They designated him for assignment to bring up Brandon Young, but knowing he would be claimed, traded him to Atlanta on Sunday night for cash considerations.

One of the problems with having a veteran bullpen is that few pitchers have minor league options, and the ones with options — Keegan Akin, Félix Bautista and Yennier Cano — are pitchers you don’t’ want to send down.

The only options the Orioles had for recalling a pitcher on the 40-man roster were Poteet, Kade Strowd and Grant Wolfram. Poteet had the most major league experience of the three, and he was called up to eat innings. Manager Brandon Hyde hoped he could pitch longer than he was able to on Sunday. I wouldn’t think he’s a long-term answer for the Orioles.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.