Adam

Morgan

Morgan exercised the opt-out clause in his minor league contract with the Astros over the weekend and will head to free agency in search of a new opportunity. The 32-year-old left-hander allowed three runs on eight hits with a 10/1 K/BB ratio across 8 2/3 innings (nine appearances) at Triple-A Sugar Land. He made 34 relief appearances last year with the Cubs.

The Astros continue to narrow down the major league bullpen going into the season with the pair of cuts. Morgan produced a 4.26 ERA and 28 strikeouts over 25 1/3 innings for the Cubs last season. The 32-year-old left-hander gives Houston some organizational depth should the need arise.

Morgan will provide the Astros with some additional left-handed relief depth this spring and has an opportunity to win a spot in their Opening Day bullpen. The 32-year-old veteran southpaw compiled a solid 4.26 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 28/12 K/BB ratio over 25 1/3 innings (34 appearances) last year with the Cubs.

The Cubs outrighted him off their 40-man roster and Morgan has decided to explore other options. He held a 4.26 ERA and 28/12 K/BB ratio over 25 1/3 innings in 2021.

Morgan missed a week’s worth of action. The 31-year-old southpaw returns to a 3.32 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 23/10 K/BB ratio across 21 2/3 innings at the big league level this season.

Morgan will miss the weekend series against the Giants. Tommy Nance has replaced him in the bullpen.

Morgan, 31, threw 10-of-13 pitches for strikes. The left-hander has his second save of the season, and lowers his ERA to 3.32. He could be in line for more save chances down the stretch, but the Cubs aren’t likely to provide a ton of opportunities.

You could say that Codi Heuer had the more difficult task in the sixth inning in facing 2-3-4 in the Rockies’ order, and he delivered a spotless frame. Morgan also had a 1-2-3 inning in the seventh, getting a popout, groundout and lineout to seal the win. It’s the veteran lefty’s first save of the season and just the second of his career. The Cubs haven’t settled on one closer since they traded Craig Kimbrel, in large part because they haven’t won many games. Morgan has pitched well, though, and should be in the mix.

Morgan signed a minor league deal with the Cubs over the winter and had pitched to a promising 2.20 ERA and 21/3 K/BB ratio in 16 1/3 innings this year on the farm. He’ll be available Tuesday versus the Brewers.

Morgan, a non-roster invitee, required surgery to repair the flexor tendon in his left arm after the 2020 regular season. He probably would have been behind the other players in camp anyway, so this shouldn’t impact a timetable for his return to game action.