Chris Sale gave a concerning update on his injuries following the Braves’ playoff berth.
A Major League Baseball team’s victory celebration is usually tempered by few things, but the Atlanta Braves’ injury report regarding Chris Sale may be the cause of some lowered spirits. Manager Brian Snitker informed reporters that he “does not expect” Sale to pitch in the Braves’ National League Wild Card series against the San Diego Padres this week, just hours after the Braves removed Sale from their crucial Game 162 on Monday. On Monday, Sale first reported having back spasms to the team staff. The team maintained hope that, should it come down to it, he may start game two of their doubleheader against the New York Mets.
The Braves still wanted to start Sale in the pivotal second game after the Mets’ historic comeback victory in the first game secured a postseason spot.
He had not pitched since abandoning his start with back soreness on September 19. Although Snitker left the door open for him to pitch in the more than a week that has passed since then, their first elimination game was on Monday.
According to Mark Bowman of MLB.com, Snitker said, “There were days that he would show up and everything would be good, and he’s like, ‘I’m good.” We decided to hold off until an elimination game. However, I don’t think he felt very good when he [raised his effort level] during the throwing last night.
Instead, the Braves went to Grant Holmes, who pitched four scoreless innings with seven strikeouts in a 3-0 victory, knowing they needed a win to go to the postseason.
“Crushed” to miss the Braves’ regular season finale, Chris Sale Sale nearly made his debut despite his back discomfort. Prior to electing to send Holmes to the mound, the Braves discussed their options, as revealed by Alex Anthopolous, president of baseball operations.
The day before, Holmes tossed 1.2 innings, and he didn’t find out he would be starting until 30 minutes before kickoff. “[Sale] is devastated,” stated Anthopoulos. “There was some debate over whether or not he should go outside. However, in the end, if you’re not performing at your peak and you don’t think you can harm yourself as well as your team; this isn’t a desirable result in general.
Sale concluded his 2024 regular season as the favorite for the National League Cy Young Award. He had an 18-3 record in 29 starts, a 2.38 ERA, 225 strikeouts, and a 2.09 FIP, all of which were league bests. “We’re hoping we can get him right and move on to the next round with a little more rest,” Snitker stated.
The Braves will start that series on Saturday if they make it to the NLDS.
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