WASHINGTON -- Max Fried will be available to start for the Braves during their National League Division Series. Charlie Morton will need to wait for the possibility of making a start in the NL Championship Series.

Morton was placed on the 15-day injured list with a sprained right index finger and Allan Winans was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett to start the first game of a split doubleheader against the Nationals on Sunday.

The sprain was confirmed when Morton underwent a MRI exam on Saturday in Atlanta. This was the initial diagnosis provided after the 39-year-old hurler exited Friday¡¯s start at Nationals Park after one inning and 24 pitches.

¡°We were looking at the calendar and it¡¯s going to be over three weeks [of recovery],¡± Braves manager Brian Snitker said. ¡°So, hopefully, best-case scenario, he could be ready for [the NLCS] if we advance.¡±

One year after being weakened in the postseason by Fried¡¯s virus and Spencer Strider¡¯s left oblique strain, the Braves are again dealing with rotation health issues at an inopportune time.

Fried was placed on the injured list after a blister developed again on his left index finger during Thursday night¡¯s start against the Nationals. He is eligible for activation on Oct. 7, which is when Game 1 of the NLDS will be played.

Morton won¡¯t be eligible for activation until after the NLDS roster is set. He could be added to replace an injured player, but the Braves anticipate he won¡¯t be ready to pitch before the NLCS begins on Oct. 16.

With the start of the NLCS still three weeks away, there¡¯s at least a chance Morton will be part of the plans for that best-of-seven series.

¡°There¡¯s never good timing for all of that kind of stuff,¡± Snitker said. ¡°But hopefully we have the depth to cover everything up and go on to be competitive.¡±

Morton felt discomfort in his finger with one out in the first inning of Friday¡¯s 9-6 win over the Nationals. He finished the inning, but he didn¡¯t return for the start of the second.

With an off-day after Game 1 of the NLDS, Strider and Fried could end up making two starts, both with regular rest, during the best-of-five series. Bryce Elder, who ranks ninth in the NL with a 3.63 ERA, could now replace Morton as the projected Game 3 starter.

Kyle Wright will move to the bullpen during the final week of the regular season. The Braves want to get a feel for whether Wright¡¯s stuff could be effective as a reliever during the playoffs. The right-hander has made just two starts since missing four months because of right shoulder inflammation.