Braves starter Charlie Morton underwent surgery on his broken right fibula Thursday. Morton is expected to be ready for spring training 2022.
Morton suffered the injury during Game 1 of the World Series in Houston after taking a liner off his leg in the second inning. The team announced his prognosis during the game. Morton is expected to rejoin the team at Truist Park this weekend.
“I think he’s coming back this afternoon or (Saturday),” manager Brian Snitker said. “What I’ve heard, the expectation is good that he should heal fine and be ready to go in spring training and be well.
The injury forced the Braves into an unconventional pitching setup. They’re planning to throw bullpen games in Game 4 and Game 5.
In his first season back with the Braves, Morton had a 3.34 ERA across 33 starts. Morton posted a 3.24 ERA over four outings in the postseason. The Braves extended him on a one-year, $20 million deal earlier this season.
Braves notes:
- Without the designated hitter at Truist Park, the Braves opted to start Jorge Soler, Adam Duvall and Eddie Rosario in the outfield. Joc Pederson will come off the bench, where he’s produced two pinch-hit homers in the postseason. Pederson is 1-for-8 thus far in the World Series.
“I loved the last two games where we could get them both in there,” Snitker said of Soler and Pederson. “I love having them both. Unfortunately, we can’t. Soler had some really, really good at-bats those first two days, and Joc has done some of his best work coming off the bench for us.
“It’s not a bad thing because he can be so valuable in big spots over the course of a game and shows a penchant for being able to do it. But I think Jorge’s at-bats were really good that last series, too.”
- Entering Friday, the Braves have avoided consecutive losses since a four-game skid in mid-September. They’ve won 20 of 26 games since, including 10 of their past 11 at home, where they’ll play the next three games.
- First baseman Freddie Freeman was set to play in his first World Series game Friday.
“It’s (been everything I’ve expected) and more,” Freeman said. “You dream of being - everyone, all of us in the backyard, Game 7, 3-2, down by one, bases loaded, everyone envisions that in the World Series. That’s just a kid and a dream, and all of a sudden it becomes a reality that you’re playing in the World Series. It’s everything you can ask for. It really is.
“Win or lose, fail, go 0-for-30 with 30 strikeouts, you’re still playing in the World Series. That’s pretty cool. So it’s a great feeling. Game 1 was - I got the jitters finally about when I was running out on the line, but once the game started, it kind of went away. It was just another game. Tonight, I’m going to feel the same way. These fans have been waiting 22 years. So it’s going to be fun.”
- Freeman was asked again about his impending free agency. He’s scheduled to hit the market for the first time after the World Series. As he’s maintained throughout the season, Freeman reiterated he wants to stay in Atlanta.
“I’m trying to not think about that,” he said. “I was talking to my agent yesterday, actually, and it kind of came up that this is three more games here. I haven’t envisioned playing anywhere else because I haven’t gotten to that point yet. Since 2007, I got to put on a Braves uniform with the Gulf Coast League team. It’s all I’ve ever known.
“But it is a little weird that by next Sunday, Monday, I could be a free agent, which is very, very weird to me. It hasn’t hit me because I’m trying to put that off because a little bit more important things at (hand) right now. I think everyone in this (interview) room knows I want to stay here.”
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