The San Diego Padres have agreed to terms with costless agent starting pitcher Brandon Morrow. The acquisition was first reported by Corey Brock of MLB.com. The Padres will guarantee Morrow $2.5 million, with an additional $5 million available in incentives if he starts, or an extra $1 million if he used as a reliever.
Morrow has battled injuries throughout his career, but has shown flashes of ability and potential. Last season Morrow pitched in 13 games (six starts) for the Toronto Blue Jays, posting a 1-3 record, with a 5.67 ERA. Morrow missed a portion of the season with a torn tendon in his right hand.
When Morrow is healthy, his abilities are certainly intriguing. In 2012, Morrow won 10 games, and put a sparkling 2.96 ERA for Toronto. In 2011, Morrow struck out over 10 batters per nine innings pitched, a mark that led the league.
While there is no questioning Morrow’s talent, injuries have kept him from maintaining any consistency. Morrow has spent time on the disabled list each of the last four seasons, with various shoulder aliments, in addition to the aforementioned finger injury. Morrow is also a Type 1 diabetic.
Morrow’s fastball averaged a robust 94 MPH last season, and he has experience starting and relieving. According to Brock, the Padres plan on employing Morrow as a starting pitcher.
The move would give the Padres added rotation depth, which could become important if the Padres deal starting pitching for more offense.