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Chris Sale impresses in potential final rehab start before joining the Braves

Originally posted on SportsTalkATL | By Chase Irle | Last updated Aug 24, 2025 11:09 AM ET

Whatever slim hopes the Braves had of a miraculous playoff run, those were dashed this weekend after losing the first two games of their series with the New York Mets. But there is a positive storyline from Saturday worth discussing, as Chris Sale made what should be his final rehab start for the Gwinnett Stripers.

The 2024 NL Cy Young award recipient threw 77 pitches, completing 4.1 innings of one-run ball with five strikeouts.

Looks like all systems go for #Braves LHP Chris Sale after 4.2 IP of 1-run ball in his 3rd rehab start.

77 pitches/51 strikespic.twitter.com/MHJVQlSLXN

— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) August 24, 2025

The second half of the season has provided some optimism for 2026 and beyond. The Braves are not nearly as bad as their 58-71 record suggests. With a couple of additions this offseason, it’s very possible they could find themselves back in the postseason race this time next year.

However, that’s not going to happen if the team can’t stay healthy. The Braves have been absolutely ravaged by injuries in each of the last two seasons. As things currently stand, all five members of the Opening Day rotation are on the 60-day IL, and four of them have already been ruled out for the season.

Chris Sale is the only one that is going to come back this year, and while it won’t be nearly enough to get the Braves back in the playoff hunt, it at least provides a reason for fans to tune in every five nights the rest of the way.

This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.

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