Braves Make Chris Sale Move After Roster News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Hudson | Last updated Apr 22, 2026 2:19 PM ET

The Atlanta Braves are looking to rebound on Wednesday after an 11–4 loss to the Washington Nationals as they continue their four-game series on the road. Ahead of first pitch, the Braves announced a roster move that changes their rotation over the next week. The club called up right-hander Didier Fuentes from Triple-A to start on Wednesday.

The adjustment has also changed when left-handed ace Chris Sale will make his next start. Atlanta moved Sale’s next scheduled start to Sunday, giving him additional rest and keeping him from pitching on regular rest on Thursday. It also positions him to open the upcoming series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Sale delivered a strong outing in his last appearance on April 18 against the Philadelphia Phillies, pitching seven innings with seven strikeouts and allowing just one earned run. His performance provided stability for the Braves’s rotation and remains a great sign as the team looks to keep their hot start.

The Braves will go Holmes (Fri), Elder (Sat), Sale (Sun) against the Phillies. This allows Elder to pitch on regular rest, something that has benefited him. By moving Sale to Sunday, the Braves ensure he doesn’t have to pitch on regular rest until May 19. He is also now lined up…
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) April 22, 2026

The move gives the Braves a fresh arm capable of providing length while allowing the club to shuffle its rotation and build in extra rest for starters such as Sale and Martin Perez. Fuentes, recently called up from Triple-A, brings an electric arsenal highlighted by a 94–97 mph fastball with high spin and a hard, dominant slider.

In three minor league outings, he went 1–1 with a 2.16 ERA, a 0.84 WHIP, and 20 strikeouts over 16 2/3 innings, flashing the upside of a potential impact major league pitcher.

Sale, meanwhile, has continued his strong form. The left-hander is coming off a 2024 season in which he earned Cy Young Award, All-Star, and Gold Glove honors, posting a 2.38 ERA, a 1.013 WHIP, and 225 strikeouts across 177 2/3 innings in 29 starts while compiling an 18–3 record.

Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale (51) © Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Sale has developed into one of baseball’s premier pitchers in the league. Drafted in the first round by the Chicago White Sox in 2010 out of Florida Gulf Coast University, he quickly rose to prominence with a powerful left-handed arsenal and consistent strikeout ability.

Sale joined the Boston Red Sox in 2017, playing a key role in their 2018 World Series championship and recording the final strikeout. He was traded to the Braves ahead of the 2024 season, where he has continued to perform at an elite level.

A Cy Young Award winner, nine-time All-Star, Gold Glove recipient, Triple Crown winner, and ERA champion, Sale’s resume reflects sustained excellence. In February 2026, he signed a one-year, $27 million extension with Atlanta for the 2027 season, including a $30 million team option for 2028, solidifying his long-term role.

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

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