Morton solid in 4-inning outing; Martes, Laureano reassigned

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Veteran righthander Charlie Morton was solid in his Saturday start, surrendering two unearned runs in four innings in the Astros’ 5-4 victory over the Washington Nationals.

Morton, who signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Astros in November after having his 2016 Phillies season limited to four starts by a hamstring injury, allowed three hits and a walk while striking out seven.

“I felt OK and had a good mix,” Morton said. “I made good pitches behind the count with off-speed. I got into some deeper counts, which I don’t like to do.”

Morton said his seven K’s were “not too shabby,” but not something he focuses on.

“I don’t care if I strike people out,” he said. “It’s nice, but it’s only going to tally up my pitch total. I just need to be more efficient.”

Morton, whose fastball topped out at 97 mph, wants to consistently be in the 94-95 mph range.

“It’s nice to throw hard, but at the end of the day, it’s all about getting outs,” he said.

With a spring ERA of 1.38, Morton has solidifed his status as the Astros’ No. 4 starter. At this stage of his career, could the 33-year-old see himself as a reliever if needed?

“I have come out of the bullpen one time in my career,” Morton said.

Enough said.