Oct 26, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Charlie Morton (50) leaves the game against the Houston Astros during the third inning during game one of the 2021 World Series at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Braves got off to a sizzling start in Game 1 of the World Series, but they lost their starting pitcher to an injury in the third inning.

Charlie Morton exited with one out in the third inning after looking uncomfortable while finishing a pitch to the Houston Astros’ Jose Altuve. He hadn’t allowed a run through 2 1/3 innings pitched.

Morton is reportedly dealing with a swollen ankle after getting hit by a Yuli Gurriel comebacker in the bottom of the second inning.

Morton — who turns 38 on Nov. 12 — has been Atlanta’s most productive pitcher this season, with a 3.34 ERA over 185 2/3 regular-season innings pitched (and six earned runs allowed in 16 2/3 postseason innings).

A.J. Minter replaced Morton and got two outs without allowing a run to finish the third inning.

But this forces the Atlanta bullpen to have to throw 6 2/3 innings to get through nine (and more of course if it were to go into extras), and the bullpen will be pretty depleted for Game 2. It also gives the Astros a better chance to make a five-run comeback than they would’ve had with the way Morton was throwing.

UPDATE: Well, the official diagnosis is very bad news for Morton and the Braves. Atlanta announced that x-rays revealed that Morton suffered a right fibula fracture that will keep him out of the remainder of the World Series. He’s expected to be ready for Spring Training.

This is a brutal loss for the Braves, and it’s going to put a lot of pressure on their pitching staff to get through the rest of this series.

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

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