Braves Clinch Playoff Berth, But Concern Over Chris Sale's Availability Mounts
In an unexpected turn of events, Atlanta Braves left-hander Chris Sale was scratched from his scheduled start in the second game of Monday's doubleheader against the New York Mets. Ailing from back spasms, Sale's sudden unavailability has cast a shadow over the Braves’ preparations as they head into the Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres.
The Braves managed to clinch a playoff berth with a 3-0 victory, much to the delight of their fans. However, the absence of Sale, a crucial component of their pitching staff, has raised significant concerns. Manager Brian Snitker addressed this issue post-game, stating, "I do not expect Sale to be an option to pitch during Atlanta's Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres."
Sale, who turned 35 this year, has been nothing short of spectacular throughout the season. His performance has positioned him as the likely winner of this year's National League Cy Young Award. Adding to his accolades, Sale secured the league's first pitching triple crown since 2011. With a 2.38 ERA (174 ERA+), a 5.77 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 29 starts, and a valuation of 6.2 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference, Sale has been invaluable to the Braves’ success.
Sale’s absence now forces the Braves to lean heavily on their pitching depth as they prepare for the postseason. During Monday's games, the bullpen saw action from Spencer Schwellenbach, Grant Holmes, and Reynaldo López, each contributing to the team's effort. Starting pitcher Max Fried had taken the mound on Friday, while veteran Charlie Morton delivered 75 pitches on Sunday. The depth of the pitching staff will undoubtedly be tested further in the high-stakes environment of the Wild Card Series.
The series will take place at Petco Park in San Diego, a stadium known for its pitcher-friendly dimensions, potentially offering some solace to the Braves’ bullpen-dependent strategy. The first game is slated for an 8:38 p.m. ET start on Tuesday night.
The pressure is mounting for the Braves not only to withstand the formidable challenge posed by the Padres but also to navigate their pitching rotations creatively in Sale's absence. With experienced hands like Fried and Morton stepping up, the team remains cautiously optimistic despite the setback. Ultimately, the Braves’ playoff aspirations may hinge on their ability to adapt and overcome the unexpected curveball thrown their way with Sale sidelined.