Braves’ Charlie Morton out for rest of World Series after fracturing fibula

Braves right-hander Charlie Morton is out for the rest of the World Series after fracturing his fibula in Game 1 on Tuesday night.

Morton was hit by a Yuli Gurriel comebacker in the bottom of the second inning but stayed in to record three more outs, including two strikeouts. He exited after striking out José Altuve in the bottom of the third and was replaced by A.J. Minter.

The Braves are in good position to take a 1-0 lead in the series, but the impact of Morton’s loss will certainly be felt as they get deeper into the Fall Classic. Atlanta has already been without its ace, Mike Soroka, all season due to an Achilles injury, and their rotation was dealt another blow in the NLCS when Huascar Ynoa was removed from the roster due to shoulder inflammation, knocking him out for the rest of the postseason.

With Morton out, it seems likely that Drew Smyly will make a start — or at least serve as a bulk innings eater — at some point later in the series. Kyle Wright, who was added to the Braves’ active roster prior to Game 1 of the World Series, is also a candidate to slot into the rotation. With right-hander Jacob Webb having been bumped from the playoff roster to make room for Wright, it’d make sense for him to be activated in Morton’s place, though Atlanta has a few other options to consider in Tucker Davidson, Spencer Strider, and Touki Toussaint.

Morton is expected to be ready for spring training (assuming a new CBA deal is reached and spring training happens) next February.