The Atlanta Braves faced an unexpected challenge on Monday when left-hander Chris Sale was scratched from his scheduled start in the second game of a doubleheader against the New York Mets. The 35-year-old ace, who has been instrumental in Atlanta's successful season, was sidelined due to back spasms, raising concerns as the Braves gear up for the Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres.
Braves Clinch Playoff Berth
Despite this setback, the Braves clinched a playoff berth with a 3-0 victory in the game. The team’s depth was put to the test, with Spencer Schwellenbach, Grant Holmes, and Reynaldo López stepping up to pitch in Monday’s games. Manager Brian Snitker expressed confidence in his squad’s resilience but noted Sale’s absence would be felt moving forward.
"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."
Sale's Stellar Season
This season, Chris Sale has put up numbers worthy of the National League Cy Young Award. With a 2.38 ERA (174 ERA+), a 5.77 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 29 starts, and a league-leading 6.2 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference, Sale has been nothing short of dominant. Moreover, he secured the league's first pitching triple crown since 2011, underlining his invaluable contribution to the Braves’ success.
Pitching Depth Under Scrutiny
Sale’s condition casts a shadow of uncertainty over Atlanta’s pitching depth as they prepare to face the Padres. Max Fried, who started on Friday, and Charlie Morton, who threw 75 pitches on Sunday, now shoulder added responsibility. Their performances will be crucial come Tuesday night, when the Wild Card Series kicks off at 8:38 p.m. ET.
The series will be hosted at Petco Park in San Diego, a stadium known for its pitcher-friendly dimensions, which could play into the Braves' favor. However, without Sale leading the rotation, the challenge becomes steeper. The spotlight will now shine even brighter on Fried and Morton, along with Schwellenbach, Holmes, and López, to step up when it matters most.
Looking Ahead
As the Braves prepare for the Wild Card Series, the team, its fans, and the baseball world will be watching closely to see how they adapt to this latest hurdle. Sale’s potential absence might be a significant blow, but the Braves have demonstrated their depth and resilience throughout the season. All eyes will be on them as they aim to overcome this obstacle and advance deeper into the postseason.