So far, the 2021 MLB World Series has been an extremely close matchup between two solid teams: the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves.
Each club has its strengths and weaknesses: the Astros, for example, have a top lineup, perhaps the best in MLB from top to bottom, while the Braves perhaps have a better rotation.
Speaking of rotations, both units have suffered terrible blows in the last few days.
Aces Down
Lance McCullers Jr., the Astros’ ace (an unofficial “title” he earned during a phenomenal 2021 season), didn’t pitch during the American League Championship Series and won’t do it in the World Series either because of a forearm injury.
Lance McCullers is out for the World Series, as expected.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) October 25, 2021
The saddest thing about the situation is that McCullers could have really given the Astros a noticeable competitive edge.
In fact, he was absolutely brilliant during the ALDS against the Chicago White Sox, a strong offensive team.
Against the Pale Hose, the right-hander logged 10.2 innings and conceded a single earned run, for a microscopic 0.84 ERA.
He was fantastic in the regular season, too, with a 3.16 ERA in 162.1 innings, covering 20 starts and finishing with a 13-5 record.
Meanwhile, there are also injury issues on the other side of the sidewalk.
The Braves lost their best starter, Charlie Morton, in Game 1 of the Fall Classic.
During the second inning, Morton was hit in the leg by a hard (102 mph) ground ball by Yuli Gurriel.
He stayed in the game and retired three more hitters, but had to leave in the third inning with sharp pain.
During the game, the Braves performed tests and studies and determined he suffered a broken right fibula, and wouldn’t be able to pitch again in 2021.
Long series. But let’s never forget that Charlie Morton pitched an inning on a broken fibula. #ForTheA
— Braves Culture (@ForBraveCulture) October 27, 2021
His availability for 2022 spring training should be secure, but sadly, Atlanta needs him now and he won’t be able to take the hill.
Morton covered 185.2 innings during a very good 2021 season with Atlanta, with a 3.34 ERA and 216 punchouts.
He has one of the deadliest curveballs in the game and it was evident in his matchups against Jose Altuve in Game 1 of the World Series.
Morton froze the diminutive slugger with a curveball in his final at-bat before giving the ball to A.J. Minter.
Now What?
The Astros will likely deploy a bullpen game in the fourth contest of the World Series, although they have other options.
They could use Jake Odorizzi, who pitched 2.1 solid relief innings in Game 1.
Additionally, they have veteran Zack Greinke on the roster.
Another option would be right-hander Cristian Javier, but he seems to be thriving in a multi-inning relief role.
As for the Braves, they recalled Tucker Davidson to fill in for Morton.
Davidson was really impressive before an injury took most of his second half.
It’s unclear if Braves manager Brian Snitker will trust him to start Game 4 or 5.
Other options for Atlanta are Drew Smyly, Kyle Wright, or a bullpen game, since Huascar Ynoa is injured.
No matter their replacements, both teams in the World Series lost their best pitcher, and that hurts.
NEXT: Jose Urquidy Delivers Solid Start In Astros World Series Win