The Atlanta Braves open a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers tonight in Detroit, with a familiar face on the mound. Former Braves starter Charlie Morton returns to face his old team when he takes the ball for Detroit.
Morton set to face his old club
Morton (9-10, 5.56 ERA) is lined up to start for the Tigers, facing the team he helped guide during two stints in Atlanta. He was a key part of the Braves’ 2021 World Series championship team, remembered for pitching through a broken leg in Game 1 of the Fall Classic.
Now with Detroit, the veteran right-hander is trying to help the Tigers strengthen their postseason position as they continue their September push.
Elder draws the start for Braves
Atlanta will counter with Bryce Elder (7-10, 5.56 ERA), who gets another chance to close out the season on a strong note. The right-hander has dealt with inconsistency throughout 2025 but remains part of the conversation for the Braves’ 2026 rotation outlook.
According to MLB’s probable pitchers, Elder is slated to square off with Morton in tonight’s opener.
Braves roster updates
The Braves continue to shuffle the roster in September:
- Jhancarlos Lara was promoted from Gwinnett to add a high-velocity arm to the pitching staff, after weeks of speculation that the flamethrowing prospect could be set for a call-up.
- Aaron Bummer was transferred to the 60-day injured list, ending his season, part of the roster shuffle that also saw Atlanta claim infielder Brett Wisely.
- Sean Murphy (hip surgery) and Austin Riley (core surgery) remain sidelined, as noted by MLB.com.
What to watch tonight
- Morton vs. his former team — the Braves’ lineup will see a pitcher they know well.
- Elder’s command early — avoiding trouble in the opening frames could decide how long he lasts.
- Lara’s debut — how manager Brian Snitker deploys the young right-hander will be a storyline to watch.
- Offense without Riley and Murphy — Atlanta’s lineup will need contributions from Matt Olson, who has been heating up in September as noted in his late-season surge.
Series outlook
The Tigers enter with postseason urgency, while the Braves (70-83) are evaluating players and finishing the season strong. Detroit has the edge in the standings, but Atlanta has the chance to play spoiler — and the added storyline of facing one of its former World Series heroes in Charlie Morton.
