The Atlanta Braves' playoff aspirations hit a snag on Monday when they learned that veteran left-hander Chris Sale would be unable to make his scheduled start in the second game of their doubleheader against the New York Mets. Sale, who has been instrumental in the Braves' success this season, was scratched due to back spasms, raising concerns about the team’s pitching depth ahead of the Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres.
Braves Clinch Playoff Spot
Despite Sale's absence, the Braves managed to clinch a playoff berth with a 3-0 victory over the Mets. The win showcased the depth and resilience of Atlanta's roster, with Spencer Schwellenbach, Grant Holmes, and Reynaldo López stepping up to pitch in Monday's games. Max Fried also contributed markedly, starting Friday's game, while Charlie Morton threw 75 pitches on Sunday, ensuring the Braves had enough arms to cover for Sale's unexpected exit.
Concerns for the Wild Card Series
With the first game of the Wild Card Series scheduled for 8:38 p.m. ET on Tuesday night at San Diego's Petco Park, the Braves face significant questions about their pitching rotation. Manager Brian Snitker did not sound optimistic about Sale's chances of pitching in the series. "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 said.
Sale's potential absence is a significant blow given his outstanding performance this season. The 35-year-old southpaw is likely to win this year's National League Cy Young Award, having achieved the league's first pitching triple crown since 2011. Sale has been a powerhouse on the mound, boasting a 2.38 ERA (174 ERA+) and a remarkable 5.77 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 29 starts. Additionally, he has been valued at 6.2 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference, underscoring his immense value to the Braves' pitching staff.
Petco Park: A Pitcher’s Haven
The venue for the Wild Card Series, Petco Park, is known for its pitcher-friendly dimensions, which could play to the strengths of Atlanta's remaining arms. The spacious outfield and marine layer often favor pitchers, making it an excellent stage for what promises to be a tightly contested series. However, the Braves will need all hands on deck to navigate through a Padres lineup brimming with talent.
Next Man Up
In Sale's likely absence, the onus will fall on other pitchers to rise to the occasion. Max Fried, who last started on Friday, and Charlie Morton, who threw 75 pitches just a day earlier, are likely to be heavily leaned upon. Given the quick turnaround and the high stakes of postseason baseball, the Braves’ coaching staff will need to carefully manage their bullpen to ensure they can cover the innings Sale would typically provide.
While the loss of Sale is undoubtedly a setback, the Braves have shown remarkable resilience all season long. If their performance in Monday's doubleheader is anything to go by, Atlanta is ready to rally and make a deep postseason run, even without one of their marquee pitchers.
The Braves' journey in the Wild Card Series will be one to watch, as they draw on their depth, experience, and the strategic acumen of their coaching staff. As playoff baseball gets underway, fans will be hoping Sale can recover swiftly to rejoin his teammates on the mound, but until then, the Braves will have to rely on their collective strength and determination.