Morton exits after 1st with shoulder discomfort

Morton fans Calhoun HOUSTON -- Astros starting pitcher Charlie Morton left Sunday's start at Minute Maid Park after only one inning due to right shoulder discomfort, the same issue that put him on the disabled list earlier this season.

Morton, who has been getting extra time off between starts as the Astros monitor his workload, threw 24 pitches in the first inning, allowing one run and striking out two. Rookie Framber Valdez replaced him to start the second inning.

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Morton has thrown 164 innings this season and made his third start Sunday since being activated from the disabled list on Sept. 8. He has been pitching with at least one week of rest in between each of his…