Chris Sale inches toward rejoining Braves

In an instant, there’s finally a little buzz surrounding the Braves. Winners of five straight — their longest win streak of the season — and nine of their last 11, Atlanta suddenly feels alive again.

Michael Harris II is playing like the best player in the league. Marcell Ozuna has rebounded following a dreadful stretch in June and July. Jurickson Profar has added a spark following his PED suspension, and several reinforcements are on their way.

Ronald Acuña Jr. was activated off the IL on Friday, helping the Braves to a sweep over the Guardians. Austin Riley is expected back sometime soon as he recovers from an abdominal injury, and Chris Sale is ramping up his activities on the farm, making his second rehab start with the Gwinnett Stripers on Sunday.

The goal was 60 pitches, but during a shaky first inning, it didn’t look like Sale would make it that far. He allowed the first four batters to reach, but he settled in and got out of the frame with only one run allowed. That would be the only run the 2024 NL Cy Young award recipient surrendered, as he made it through four innings (56 pitches) with four strikeouts.

The ball is now in the Braves court about when they want to activate Chris Sale. He’s set to pitch around 75 pitches his next time out, and it’s possible that could happen with the major-league club, setting him up to pitch against the Mets next weekend, the same club he faced when he fractured his rib cage a couple of months ago.

The more likely outcome, though, is one final rehab start before returning. With the Braves still buried in the standings and Sale’s long injury history, there’s no reason to rush. But either way, the former Cy Young winner’s return is close, and it’s adding fuel to a Braves team that’s suddenly showing signs of life.