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Braves Receive Chris Sale Injury Update on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin M. Groe | Last updated Jul 16, 2025 6:18 PM ET

Left-handed starting pitcher Chris Sale is in his 15th MLB season after debuting with the Chicago White Sox in 2010.

The 36-year-old veteran began his first two years in the big-leagues as a reliever but transitioned to a starter in 2012.

Over his first seven years as a starter—splitting time between the White Sox and the Boston Red Sox, who acquired him in a 2016 trade—Sale established himself as one of baseball’s most consistent arms. From 2012 through 2018, he made the All-Star team each season and finished in the top six of Cy Young voting every year.

After battling injuries and starting just 31 games over his final four years in Boston, Sale was traded to the Atlanta Braves and enjoyed a career revival, winning his first Cy Young Award.

Sale carried that momentum into 2025 until he suffered a fractured left rib cage while making a diving play against the New York Mets. He landed on the 15-day injured list on June 21 and was moved to the 60-day IL on July 1.

On Wednesday, the Braves received an update that Sale played catch yesterday—a promising step in his recovery, even though he won’t be eligible to return until after August 19.

Chris Sale played catch yesterday. He won’t be eligible to be activated until after Aug. 19. But he’s at least progressing toward his return to the Braves rotation
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) July 16, 2025

Over his two seasons in Atlanta, Sale has posted a 2.43 ERA, 339 strikeouts, and a 23–7 record in 44 starts.

Decimated by injuries, the Braves have struggled in 2025, sitting at 42–53 and 9.5 games out of a wild-card berth. If Atlanta falls further out of contention, there may be little reason to rush Sale back into the rotation.

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

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