The Atlanta Braves are 35-41 and seven games out of a wild card spot in the National League entering play on Monday. Without Chris Sale now, they may need to make a trade if they want to stay alive.
The Braves still have time to turn things around, but it will be difficult with Sale on the injured list with a fractured rib. The Braves have not announced a timeline for his return, but they may need to find some sort of replacement if he misses an extended period of time. FanSided's Steven Teal suggested they could reunite with Charlie Morton.
"Okay, okay...we know what you are thinking and your skepticism is valid. Morton has not had the best season, but he's pitched better lately," wrote Teal. "While he isn't as effective as he once was, he is an obvious trade candidate. The Braves are familiar with him, he fits well in the clubhouse, and he is a veteran arm."
Overall, Morton has a 5.65 ERA in 67 innings of work. However, since rejoining the starting rotation on May 26, he has a 2.42 ERA and 34 strikeouts. The Orioles have won all five of his starts since he stopped working out of the bullpen.
The Orioles are poised to be sellers at the trade deadline and Morton is playing on a one-year deal. The Braves are seemingly determined to make a push for the postseason, and Morton would be an addition that does not gut their farm system and helps them stay alive in the postseason race.
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From 2021 to 2024, Morton made 124 starts for the Braves. He had a 3.87 ERA and a 45-34 record. He could be a cheap addition to fill in for Sale while he recovers.
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