Braves make a trade, Chris Sale to 60-day IL

Hunter Stratton has appeared in three games for the Pirates this season and owns a 23.63 ERA. No, that’s not a typo; in just 2.2 innings, he’s allowed seven earned runs. However, he does own a 4.30 ERA for his career, including a 3.58 ERA over 36 appearances last year. So, perhaps he can provide something to the Braves relief core in a pinch if needed.

The decision to move Chris Sale to the 60-day IL is the real headliner. Although, it’s not too surprising after he suffered a fractured rib cage a couple of weeks ago while diving for a grounder against the New York Mets. This now ensures Sale will not be able to return until the second half of August, and that’s the best case scenario. More than likely, Sale won’t be available to pitch for the Braves again until September.

By that time, it very well could be too little, too late. The rotation has been the one aspect of the club keeping the Braves afloat. Now, they have a bottom 10 offense to go along with a middling bullpen and rotation. It’s going to be hard to make up 7.5 games in the Wild Card race with that formula.