Atlanta Braves ace Charlie Morton is done for the 2021 World Series against the Houston Astros after breaking his right fibula during Game 1 on Tuesday night. However, Morton actually threw 16 pitches on the broken leg after getting hit with a comebacker off the bat of Yuli Gurriel in the second inning.
The Braves pitcher retired back-to-back hitters after taking the hard shot from Gurriel, and then an initial X-ray on his leg didn't reveal a break. Morton came back out for the bottom of the third inning, struck out Jose Altuve, and then had to leave the game because of the pain. Another X-ray then revealed the break, ending his season.
Atlanta went on to win Game 1, 6-2, as the dream postseason run continues. It's a huge bummer for Morton that he won't be able to pitch again, though, and all he could say to well-wishers after the injury was that he was “sorry,” according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.
*Watch MLB games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
Braves teammates and manager Brian Snitker were in awe of Morton, and they clearly appreciate his toughness and everything he brings to the table as a pitcher. They're devastated for him that he won't be able to finish out this series as Atlanta looks to win its first World Series since 1995.
The Braves signed Morton to a one-year, $15 million deal in the offseason after he spent the prior two years with the Tampa Bay Rays. He was with the Astros the two years before that and won a World Series in 2017. The 37-year-old boasted a 3.34 ERA for the Braves this season and struck out 216 batters in 185 2/3 innings.
Atlanta will look to make it a 2-0 lead over Houston in Game 2 on Wednesday night.
Follow Us
Subscribe