The Atlanta Braves would’ve started Charlie Morton in a potential World Series-clinching Game 5 but, with his injury, who will be the starter?
Charlie Morton suffering a broken leg in Game 1 of the World Series certainly put the Atlanta Braves in a bit of a bind with their rotation. Now, they’re facing the effects of that going into by far the biggest game of the year.
The Braves have a 3-1 World Series lead over the Astros heading into Game 5, the final game that could be played at Truist Park in the affair. But while we know Houston will start Framber Valdez, Atlanta has question marks as for their starter as it would’ve been Morton’s turn in the rotation.
So the million-dollar question with the franchise’s first World Series victory on the line (though they’d still have two shots in Houston if they were to lose) is who the Braves will put on the mound to start Game 5.
Who should the Braves start in Game 5?
In all likelihood, manager Brian Snitker is going to be looking at another bullpen game, just as he did in Game 4.
Having said that, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Tucker Davidson, who the Braves added to the World Series roster in the wake of Morton’s injury, get the start. He’s by far the freshest arm that Atlanta has to turn to at this point.
Beyond that, it also wouldn’t be shocking to see Max Fried take the mound on four days’ rest at some point, particularly if the Braves are in position to put the World Series away. That’s a pull-no-punches situation, which is what putting Fried into the game would indicate.
In any case, the Atlanta pitching staff will surely be in full focus for Game 5 as the franchise has the opportunity to capture it’s first World Series win in 26 years.