With Charlie Morton going down with an injury in Game 1 of the World Series, who should the Atlanta Braves trust to replace him?
While Game 1 of the 2021 World Series has generally been good, an injury to Charlie Morton has been devastating for the Atlanta Braves. Morton was able to get through the third inning, but he’s going to be out for the remainder of the World Series after suffering a right fibula fracture.
Morton is arguably the best starting pitcher Atlanta had to offer and Morton’s presence gave the Braves a decent starting pitching advantage over the Astros, but now they’ll have to scramble and find a way to replace him.
RHP Charlie Morton underwent X-rays tonight that revealed a right fibula fracture. He will miss the remainder of the World Series and is expected to be ready for Spring Training in 2022.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) October 27, 2021
Atlanta Braves World Series roster: Who replaces Charlie Morton?
The situation is far from ideal, but it isn’t impossible for the Braves to navigate. Atlanta will have a few options to turn to, but the first guy who should get consideration is Jacob Webb.
Your 2021 Atlanta Braves #WorldSeries roster:#BattleATL pic.twitter.com/qdPOiwNyUx
— Steven Breech (@steviebreech) October 26, 2021
Davidson, Toussaint, Tomlin if he's healthy enough. Not sure what RichRod or Muller's been doing. https://t.co/66r0SwSAPm
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) October 27, 2021
Webb was with the Braves during the NLCS and that series is a pretty good reason as to why he wasn’t on the roster for Atlanta. Webb struggled against the Dodgers, especially in Game 5 when he gave up four hits and four earned runs.
Should Atlanta not feel comfortable with Webb, Touki Toussaint deserves a look. Toussaint hasn’t pitched at all this postseason as his last appearance came back on Sept. 14. He’s certainly well rested, which isn’t a bad thing.
With Morton down for the remainder of this series, even if Atlanta is able to get a quality replacement on its postseason roster, Braves fans will want this series to be over in four games so the issue doesn’t even come up.