Atlanta Braves' standout left-hander Chris Sale was a last-minute scratch from his scheduled start in the second game of Monday's doubleheader against the New York Mets. Sidelined by back spasms, his absence was an unexpected hurdle for the Braves, but it didn't stop them from clinching a playoff berth with a 3-0 victory in that game.
Sale's unexpected unavailability has sparked discussions about the Braves' pitching depth as they prepare for the Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres. At 35 years old, Sale has been a cornerstone of the Braves’ rotation this season, making his absence all the more concerning as the postseason looms.
Chris Sale's Stellar Season
Chris Sale's season has been nothing short of remarkable. He's poised to win this year's National League Cy Young Award, thanks to his dominant performance throughout the year. Sale secured the league's first pitching triple crown since 2011, a testament to his prowess on the mound. With a 2.38 ERA and an impressive 5.77 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 29 starts, Sale has been indispensable for Atlanta. His 6.2 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) further underscores just how valuable he's been to the Braves' success.
Braves' Pitching Depth Tested
The Braves' depth in their pitching staff will undoubtedly be tested in Sale's absence. Manager Brian Snitker addressed Sale's condition after the game, tempering expectations. "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 stated. This revelation leaves Atlanta with some critical decisions to make regarding their pitching rotation heading into the playoffs.
Monday’s doubleheader offered a glimpse into the Braves’ alternative pitching options. Spencer Schwellenbach, Grant Holmes, and Reynaldo López all took the mound as part of the day's games, showcasing their abilities in varying capacities. While they each bring their own strengths, matching Sale’s dominance is a tall order.
Max Fried, who started on Friday, and Charlie Morton, who threw 75 pitches on Sunday, are likely to shoulder more responsibility in the coming series. Their performances will be crucial in setting the tone for the Braves as they navigate the playoffs without their ace.
Wild Card Series Preparation
The first game of the highly anticipated Wild Card Series is slated for 8:38 p.m. ET on Tuesday night at Petco Park in San Diego. Known for its pitcher-friendly dimensions, Petco Park could provide a slight advantage to the Braves’ pitching staff as they face off against the Padres. However, the absence of Sale looms large over the team’s strategic planning.
As the Braves prepare for this pivotal series, the focus will be on maintaining the momentum that carried them to a playoff berth. Despite the challenges posed by Sale’s injury, Atlanta’s depth and resilience will be put to the test. The collective effort of the pitching staff, combined with the team's offensive firepower, will play a significant role in their postseason success.
With Sale sidelined, the Braves will need to rely heavily on their remaining starters and bullpen to step up in his absence. How well they manage this adversity will likely determine their fate in the Wild Card Series and beyond.
As the National League's top contenders prepare to face off, the Braves’ ability to adapt without their ace will be a storyline to watch. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how the team navigates this critical juncture in their quest for postseason glory.