Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Charlie Morton. Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

Braves lose another starter to injury in back-to-back games

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 9/22/23

Injuries are piling up for the Atlanta Braves, just in time for the playoffs.

A day after losing starter Max Fried for the rest of the regular season with a blister on his pitching hand, another Braves starter, Charlie Morton, left his outing on Friday with what the team called "finger discomfort." Morton lasted only one inning, throwing 24 pitches before being removed from the game.

Braves starter Charlie Morton has been removed from tonight's game after pitching only one inning.

Stay tuned for details. pic.twitter.com/FFyY0abJJ8
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) September 22, 2023

Unlike Fried, Morton's injury isn't a blister. Morton had X-rays on his finger, which came back negative, but he'll have an MRI on Saturday, per Mark Bowman of MLB.com.

Losing Morton would be a massive blow to the Braves rotation. While not the staff's ace, the 39-year-old has been a steadying influence for the Braves this season, entering the game at 14-12 with a 3.66 ERA over 162.1 innings pitched.

It's not time to push the panic button yet, but Morton's and Fried's injuries could present a huge probably for the Braves heading toward the playoffs. While the Braves expect Fried to return in time for the postseason after placing him on the 15-day injured list on Friday, the extended period between starts could have a negative impact. The same is true for Morton, should he miss time.

The Braves have already locked up the National League East crown, and they're likely to finish with the best record in the NL, so there's not a ton left to play for. With that in mind, the Braves can afford to let Fried, Morton and others rest up before the postseason begins. However, the rash of injuries to the starting rotation at this point in the season has to be at least a tiny concern for the Braves.

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