Braves’ Charlie Morton fractures fibula in Game 1, out for rest of World Series

Oct. 26 (UPI) — Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Charlie Morton will be out for the remainder of the World Series after suffering a fractured right fibula early in Game 1 on Tuesday night at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Morton appeared to sustain the injury after getting hit by a 102.4 mph comebacker off the bat of Houston Astros slugger Yuli Gurriel to start the bottom of the second inning.

The 37-year-old Morton retired the next two batters he faced in the inning, then returned for the third and struck out Astros second baseman Jose Altuve before exiting the game. The veteran pitcher was in visible pain while delivering the last pitch to Altuve and eventually headed to the dugout after talking to a team trainer.

Shortly later, the Braves announced that Morton underwent X-rays that revealed the right fibula fracture. The team said he will miss the rest of the Fall Classic, but he is expected to be ready for spring training in 2022.

After Morton’s injury, Braves manager Brian Snitker turned to reliever A.J. Minter, who allowed one run on three hits over 2 2/3 innings. He struck out three and walked none in his extended outing.

Morton, who is signed through at least the 2022 season, posted a 14-6 record and 3.34 ERA across 185 2/3 innings in the 2021 regular season. He was appearing in his third World Series — with his third different team — in a five-year stretch.

The Braves will be able to replace Morton on the roster before Wednesday night’s Game 2.