The Atlanta Braves received an unexpected blow when left-hander Chris Sale was scratched from his scheduled start in the second game of Monday's doubleheader against the New York Mets due to back spasms. This development has raised concerns about the team's pitching depth as they approach the Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres.
Braves Clinch Playoff Berth
Despite the setback, the Braves secured a playoff berth with a solid 3-0 victory over the Mets in the game from which Sale was absent. This win highlighted the resilience of the team, but also shed light on the pitching challenges they might face in the near future.
Chris Sale, at 35 years old, has been a pivotal figure for the Braves this season. He is a strong contender for the National League Cy Young Award, making his unavailability a significant concern. Sale’s dominance on the mound is reflected in his impressive statistics: a 2.38 ERA (174 ERA+), a 5.77 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 29 starts, and a value of 6.2 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference.
Historical Achievements
Sale has also achieved a remarkable feat this year by securing the league's first pitching triple crown since 2011, underscoring his exceptional performance and contribution to the team's success. His absence will inevitably impact the Braves' strategy as they prepare for the high-stakes games ahead.
Manager’s Perspective
Manager Brian Snitker addressed the media post-game, revealing his reservations about Sale's participation in the upcoming 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 stated, indicating that the team is likely planning to move forward without their ace.
Pitching Alternatives
The Braves are not without options, however. Spencer Schwellenbach, Grant Holmes, and Reynaldo López all contributed to Monday's games, showing the depth that the Braves might need to rely on. Max Fried, who started on Friday, and Charlie Morton, who threw 75 pitches on Sunday, are also potential key players for the Wild Card Series.
The first game of the series is scheduled for 8:38 p.m. ET on Tuesday night at Petco Park in San Diego, a venue known for its pitcher-friendly dimensions. This characteristic of Petco Park could play to the Braves' advantage, especially given the altered state of their pitching roster.
As the Braves head into the Wild Card Series, all eyes will be on how the team's pitching staff can hold up without their star left-hander. The upcoming games will test the depth and resilience of the Braves' roster in what promises to be a thrilling contest against the Padres.