Fall Classic fixture Morton faces World Series newbie Valdez

HOUSTON (AP) — Though the uniform keeps changing, Charlie Morton is becoming a Fall Classic fixture, set to start in the World Series for the third time in five seasons this week.

Houston Astros lefty Framber Valdez is virtually unknown to a national audience, with the 27-year-old poised to make his Series debut when he pitches against Morton and the Atlanta Braves in Game 1 on Tuesday night.

Asked to describe himself to those who might be seeing him on the mound for the first time, the burly Valdez flashed a huge grin before answering.

“I think of myself as a happy man,” he said in Spanish through a translator. “I’ve had a lot of problems in the past, but I’ve known how to get past those and overcome those to get to where I am today. It’s just been a lot of sacrifice and hard work.”

Morton pitched for Houston from 2017-18, winning Game 7 of the 2017 World Series in relief at Dodger Stadium. He's trying to approach this start just like any of the other 306 in his 14-year career and not be distracted by his history with the Astros.

“But I’m sure I’m going to feel some things when I get on that mound,” he said. “I don’t think there’s any way not to.”

Though it’s been three years since he left Houston and he's on his second team since then, the veteran right-hander remains a favorite of many Astros. All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve was asked what kind of teammate Morton was.

“The best you can ever have,” Altuve said. “He’s that good. He’s amazing. I only have good things to say about him.”

This will be the second consecutive year Morton will face the Astros in the postseason after a dominant performance against them with Tampa Bay. Morton threw five scoreless innings to win Game 2 of the 2020 AL Championship Series...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Fall-Classic-fixture-Morton-faces-World-Series-16563639.php