In a sudden blow to the Atlanta Braves postseason aspirations, the team has announced that right-hander Charlie Morton will be placed on the 15-day injured list due to right finger inflammation.
Morton’s stint on the injured list is backdated to September 23, but his projected activation date of October 8 will fall one day after the Braves are required to submit their roster for the NLDS, which is scheduled for October 7.
This timing raises questions about Morton’s availability for the series, as Major League Baseball’s commissioner’s office could potentially intervene if it appears the Braves are attempting roster manipulation.
However, Morton would remain eligible to return for the NL Championship Series should the Braves advance to that stage of the playoffs.
Braves manager Brian Snitker commented on the situation, saying: “Losing Charlie is a tough break for us. He’s been a key part of our rotation this season, and his absence will certainly be felt. We’ll have to adjust our plans accordingly and hope for the best.”
"He's gonna miss the division series and hopefully we can advance and have him ready for the LCS."@Braves manager Brian Snitker provides an update on Charlie Morton and the organization's postseason pitching plans ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/xRtOoQSgho
— Bally Sports South (@BallySportsSO) September 24, 2023
Morton, a 39-year-old veteran, exited his most recent start on Friday after just one inning of work. Throughout the season, he has maintained a respectable 3.64 ERA (121 ERA+) and an impressive 2.20 strikeout-to-walk ratio, contributing an estimated 3.1 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference’s calculations.
Morton’s injury adds to the Braves’ pitching woes, as he becomes the second starter to be sidelined this week.
On Thursday, left-hander Max Fried was placed on the injured list due to a blister issue. Fried’s IL stint is set to expire just one day before rosters are due for the NLDS, ensuring his eligibility for the postseason roster.
Assuming Fried’s return, the Braves will likely field an NLDS rotation featuring him, Spencer Strider, and Bryce Elder.
Manager Brian Snitker suggested that Kyle Wright, previously a strong candidate for the rotation, will be relegated to the bullpen for the remainder of the regular season as he auditions for a role in the postseason relief corps.
Even without Morton, the Braves are still the best team in baseball.
However, do you think they could possibly be picked off early thanks to the untimely injury?