The Braves had to turn to their bullpen much earlier than anticipated in Game 1 of the World Series.
In the bottom of the third inning of Tuesday's game vs. the Astros, starter Charlie Morton was forced to exit his outing after getting a strikeout looking of Astros second baseman Jose Altuve.
The Braves later announced that after X-rays, it was revealed he had a fractured right fibula that will keep him out of the rest of the World Series.
This was the Gurriel comebacker that got Morton's shin in the second inning. My guess is he had to exit because the area swelled over the past inning. pic.twitter.com/NuV4Zm50Yh
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) October 27, 2021
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Gurriel grounded the ball into Morton's leg to lead off the bottom of the second, but the Braves' 37-year-old starter was able to set down both Chas McCormick and Martin Maldonado to end the inning.
After spinning a curveball to Altuve that caught the Astros' leadoff hitter looking, Morton stumbled on the mound and left with the training staff.
The Braves said in their announcement that he is expected to be back for Spring Training in 2022.
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Morton had been holding the Astros in check after stranding the bases loaded in the first inning. When he left, Atlanta was leading Game 1 of the World Series 5-0. Morton finished his night with 2.1 scoreless innings, having allowed just one hit and two walks with three strikeouts.
Morton has continued his stellar postseason track record as he has given the Braves 14.1 innings in three starts with a 3.77 ERA, 19 strikeouts, eight walks and 10 hits allowed.
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Since the start of the 2019 postseason, Morton has dazzled to a 2.64 ERA in 44.1 innings with 55 strikeouts, 18 walks and only 36 hits allowed. His teams are 6-3 in his starts.
This post will be updated as more information becomes available.
