Ex-Phillie Morton to sign with Astros

Charlie Morton, the righthander whose $9.5 million option for 2017 was not picked up by the Phillies, has agreed to terms with the Houston Astros.

The Astros announced today that the deal is for two years. The Houston Chronicle reported that the contract is worth $14 million and that he is expected to compete for a spot at the back end of the rotation.

Morton, 33, went 1-1 with a 4.15 ERA in 17 ½ innings over four starts for the Phillies before tearing a hamstring in April. He struck out 19 and walked eight. He received a $1 million payment from the Phillies when they bought out his contract earlier this month.

Overall, in nine major-league seasons, Morton is 46-71 with a 4.54 ERA.