Veteran presence bolsters depth and veteran innings; Morton adds experience and stability to the bullpen mix, supporting Detroit’s plan to navigate late-season pressure and postseason workloads.

Morton’s arrival in Detroit adds a veteran anchor to the Tigers’ rotation as Houston retools its staff. His presence matters for Detroit's upside and for fantasy managers eyeing steady, experienced innings in the late-season push.

Morton leans on a diminishing fastball but leverages curve and change to produce swing-and-miss. The Tigers sit atop the division window, and Morton’s veteran savvy makes him a viable Week 21 streamer for deeper rosters, with a balance of strikeouts and command. Risk factors include age and consistency against high-contact offenses.

Morton navigated an early curveball miscue by leaning on a trusted catch partner and a diversified mix of pitches, culminating in a six-inning shutout. His willingness to adapt and follow Dingler’s plan, plus a 58.3% curveball whiff rate overall on the night, underscored his veteran savvy and the value of catcher-led gameplans in extracting his best stuff late in his 18-year career.

Morton anchors Detroit’s rotation in a high-stakes preview, carrying a season that’s had ups and downs. His ability to steady the game and work deep into innings will be crucial against Minnesota’s lineup, with the bullpen needing to protect a close lead if Morton gets into the seventh.