Atlanta Braves' left-hander Chris Sale was unexpectedly scratched from his scheduled start in the second game of Monday's doubleheader against the New York Mets due to back spasms. This sudden change came as a surprise, especially considering the crucial timing with the postseason just around the corner.
The Braves, however, managed to clinch a playoff berth with a 3-0 victory in that game, an achievement they celebrated with much anticipation. Yet, Sale's late scratch has raised significant concerns about the team's pitching depth as they head into the Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres.
Impact on Braves' Postseason Plans
Manager Brian Snitker provided a sobering update on Sale's status post-game, stating, "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." This leaves the Braves without one of their strongest arms at a time when every game could define their season.
Sale, who is 35 years old, has been a standout performer this season. He is widely tipped to win this year's National League Cy Young Award, thanks to a stellar campaign that included securing the league's first pitching triple crown since 2011. Sale's statistics reflect his dominance on the mound; he posted a 2.38 ERA (174 ERA+), a 5.77 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 29 starts, and garnered a 6.2 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) rating according to Baseball Reference.
Pitching Depth Tested
With Sale's availability now in doubt, the onus falls on other pitchers to step up. Pitchers like Spencer Schwellenbach, Grant Holmes, and Reynaldo López saw action during Monday's games and may be leaned upon heavily in the upcoming series. Additionally, the recent performances of Max Fried and Charlie Morton—who started on Friday and Sunday, respectively—will be under close scrutiny.
Morton, who threw 75 pitches on Sunday, will need to recover quickly to be a reliable option in the series. The Braves' bullpen depth is now more critical than ever, especially as they prepare to play all games of the Wild Card Series at Petco Park in San Diego.
Wild Card Series Outlook
The first game of the Wild Card Series is scheduled for 8:38 p.m. ET on Tuesday night. The series will be played exclusively at Petco Park, a venue known for its pitcher-friendly dimensions, which could work in favor of the Braves' remaining pitchers. Despite these potentially advantageous conditions, the team faces an uphill battle without their ace.
For Braves fans, the uncertainty surrounding Chris Sale is undoubtedly concerning. His contributions this season have been pivotal, and his presence on the mound in the postseason was expected to be a cornerstone of the team's strategy. As the Braves prepare to face a formidable Padres lineup, the team's resilience and adaptability will be tested to the fullest.
While Sale's absence is a significant blow, the Braves' performance in securing their playoff berth demonstrates the depth and determination within the squad. The upcoming series will demand contributions from the entire roster, challenging each player to step up in critical moments. With seasoned players and emerging talent alike, the Braves remain a team to watch, even without their star pitcher.