Article: Pirates release struggling Matt Morris, shuffle rotation

Matt Morris, the veteran right-hander added by the Pittsburgh Pirates late last season to stabilize a young rotation, was released Sunday after failing to pitch past the second inning in his latest start.

Morris fell to 0-4 with a 9.67 ERA after giving up six runs, three earned, and six hits in 1 2-3 innings during an 8-4 loss to the Phillies on Saturday night.

The decision to cut him will cost the Pirates more than $10 million, besides what they already have paid him this season. Morris is making $9.5 million, or about one-fifth of the Pirates' payroll, and has a $1 million buyout for 2009.

"Matt Morris is a true professional," manager John Russell said. ...

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