The Atlanta Braves will enter the 2023 MLB playoffs without an important piece of their rotation. The Braves placed starting pitcher Charlie Morton on a 15-day injured list and expect him to be out through the National League Division Series at least.
Morton suffered a finger injury on his throwing hand on Friday against the Washington Nationals, being forced to exit the game after throwing just 24 pitches. The 39-year-old player was later diagnosed with a right index finger after an MRI exam over the weekend.
According to Atlanta’s manager Brian Snitker, the earliest Morton will return to the mound is the NL Championship Series in case Atlanta makes it there. Morton started 30 games for the Braves in 2023, going 14-12 with a 3.64 ERA and 183 strikeouts.
“We were looking at the calendar, and it’s going to be over three weeks [of recovery],” Snitker told reporters. “So, hopefully, best-case scenario, he could be ready for [the NLCS] if we advance.”
The good news for the Braves is that All-Star lefty Max Fried is expected to be available for the NLDS. Fried is currently on 15-day IL as well after developing blisters on his throwing hand but can be activated just in time for Game 1 of the NLDS.
