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Braves Announce Chris Sale News on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Aug 7, 2025 10:23 AM ET

Amid one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history, the 47-66 Atlanta Braves have no plans of pivoting to 2026 just yet.

Braves manager Brian Snitker announced on Wednesday that injured starting pitcher Chris Sale will throw batting practice on Thursday. Sale, the reigning NL Cy Young winner, fractured his ribs diving to preserve a complete-game shutout against the New York Mets on June 18.

Snitker added that Sale will likely make at least one more rehab start. Sale is eligible to come off the IL on Aug. 19.

Sale hit the injured list with a 2.52 ERA and a 114-26 K-BB ratio in 89 1/3 innings. He nonetheless earned All-Star honors after his stellar start, and his 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings mark his highest since 2019.

Atlanta is widely expected to pick up Sale’s $18 million club option for 2026, so we’re not sure why the Braves are even considering using him again this season. Atlanta is 17 1/2 games back in the NL East and 15 games out of a Wild Card spot.

Not only are the Braves on pace for their first losing season since 2017, but they’re at risk of losing 100 games for the first time since 1988.

The 36-year-old Sale is 143-87 with a 3.02 ERA and 2,528 strikeouts in 15 seasons.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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