Bucs place RHP Morton on DL

Associated Press

ATLANTA

Pittsburgh right-hander Charlie Morton, who leads the majors in losses, was placed on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder fatigue on Friday.

Manager John Russell said Morton also may need a mental rest. Russell said Morton would head to the team’s spring home in Bradenton, Fla., for his rehabilitation.

“He’s going to Florida to rehab, kind of get out of this environment,” Russell said.

The Pirates also held out shortstop Ronny Cedeno in Friday night’s game against Atlanta due to tightness in his lower back. Cedeno was in the original lineup but was scratched after batting practice. Bobby Crosby replaced him.

Russell said Morton’s arm likely was overworked from numerous side sessions as the right-hander sought better results. The 26-year-old Morton, who began his career with the Braves, is 1-9 with a 9.35 ERA in 10 starts. His nine losses and 45 earned runs allowed lead the majors.

Reliever Steven Jackson was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis to fill Morton’s roster spot. Russell said he would replace Morton in the rotation “when we have time to think through it.”

Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said Morton will be given “appropriate” recovery time.

“Charlie has not wanted to use it as an excuse and has worked to pitch through it,” Huntington said. “Until now, we felt we could work through the issue without risking additional damage. We now feel that the best way to get Charlie back on track is to give his shoulder appropriate rest and recovery time to allow him to get back to 100 percent.”

Morton was 5-9 with a 4.55 ERA in 18 starts in 2009.