The Houston Astros have been dealt a major blow as starting pitcher Charlie Morton has been placed on the injured list with a finger injury, ruling him out of the National League Division Series.
Morton, who has been one of the Astros’ most reliable starters this season, was injured during a game against the Los Angeles Angels on September 27. He was diagnosed with a sprained middle finger on his pitching hand and was immediately placed on the 10-day injured list.
The Astros had hoped that Morton would be able to return in time for the NLDS, but it appears that he will not be able to make it back in time. This is a major setback for the Astros, who had been counting on Morton to be a key part of their rotation in the postseason.
Morton has had a stellar season for the Astros, posting a 3.15 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 32 starts. He was also a key part of the Astros’ 2017 World Series championship team, posting a 3.62 ERA in five postseason starts.
The Astros will now have to turn to other options to fill Morton’s spot in the rotation. Brad Peacock and Collin McHugh are likely candidates to take Morton’s place in the rotation, but it remains to be seen how effective they will be in the postseason.
It’s a tough break for Morton and the Astros, but they will have to find a way to make do without him in the NLDS. The Astros will need to rely on their other starters to pick up the slack if they want to make it back to the World Series this year.
