Atlanta Braves left-hander Chris Sale was unexpectedly scratched from his scheduled start in the second game of Monday's doubleheader against the New York Mets due to back spasms. Sale's sudden unavailability has left the team and fans alike concerned about the Braves' pitching depth as they look ahead to the Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres.
The Braves sealed their playoff berth with a commanding 3-0 victory in the game Sale was originally slated to start. Despite the uncertainty swirling around their star pitcher, the team has continued to demonstrate resilience. However, the looming Wild Card Series poses new challenges, particularly given Sale's importance to the roster.
Manager Brian Snitker addressed the media after Monday's game, shedding light on Sale's condition and its implications. "Manager Brian Snitker told reporters after the game that he does not expect Sale to be an option to pitch during Atlanta's Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres," Snitker revealed. The absence of Sale—a likely candidate for this year's National League Cy Young Award—significantly impacts the Braves' rotation strategy.
Sale's Stellar Season
Chris Sale has had a season that could only be described as extraordinary. At 35 years old, he has defied age-related expectations and has firmly positioned himself in the Cy Young Award conversation. His statistics are a testament to his dominance: a 2.38 ERA (174 ERA+), a stunning 5.77 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 29 starts, and a valuation of 6.2 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference. Sale even secured the league's first pitching triple crown since 2011, an achievement underscoring his prowess on the mound.
Yet, it is precisely because of these accomplishments that his absence in the upcoming series feels all the more significant. Sale's consistent performance has been a cornerstone for the Braves, and without him, the team will need to look elsewhere in their rotation.
Pitching Depth and Upcoming Games
With Sale out, the Braves will need to rely on their other pitching assets. Spencer Schwellenbach, Grant Holmes, and Reynaldo López all contributed on Monday, showcasing the team's depth. Max Fried recently took the mound on Friday, while Charlie Morton threw 75 pitches on Sunday. These pitchers, though capable, will now bear an increased burden as they enter the postseason.
The first game of the Wild Card Series is scheduled for 8:38 p.m. ET on Tuesday night at Petco Park in San Diego, a stadium known for its pitcher-friendly dimensions. While this characteristic of the park may somewhat mitigate the impact of Sale's absence, the Braves' depth will undoubtedly be tested.
Atlanta's success this season has been underpinned by remarkable pitching, and the responsibility now falls on the remaining pitchers to fill the void. With the stakes higher than ever, the Braves' ability to adapt will be crucial in determining their postseason fate.
As the Braves prepare for the start of the Wild Card Series, the uncertainty around Chris Sale looms large. His stellar season has earned him recognition and accolades, but it's his presence on the mound that the Braves will sorely miss. In a postseason where every game counts, Sale's unavailability could be a pivotal factor. The eyes of Atlanta will now turn to Manager Brian Snitker and his rotation, hoping they can leverage the depth and talent available to make a deep playoff run.