Even a lengthy IL stint cannot slow down Chris Sale

The Braves have had a million things not go their way this season, but the moment that seemed to solidify that it was not going to be their year was when Chris Sale went down with a fractured rib cage.

It was a freak injury, and it happened when the Braves were at their highest point all season — coming off a sweep of the Mets, with Sale coming one out away from a complete game shutout. The 2024 NL Cy Young was pitching better than he ever had before, and there was finally some momentum in Atlanta with plenty of time left in the season.

When that news broke, it was a gut punch, and not long after, the Braves found themselves essentially eliminated from postseason contention. There aren’t many reasons to tune in anymore with three weeks to play, but Sale remains must-watch television every time he takes the mound.

In his first game back after six weeks off, Sale tossed a one-run gem against the Phillies, finishing six innings and punching out nine batters on just 78 pitches. He essentially replicated that exact same line against the Mariners on Friday night, another team fighting for a spot in the playoffs. Again, he struck out nine batters but this time made it through 6.2 innings with just one run allowed.

Chris Sale’s tenure with the Braves has been everything Alex Anthopoulos could have hoped for and then some. In his mid-30s, he’s pitched to the tune of a 2.38 ERA, 2.27 FIP, and 11.5 K/9 over 46 starts. There have been a few injury issues, but Atlanta’s version of Chris Sale is the best version of him that there has ever been.

About the only complaint anybody could have, and it’s certainly not Sale’s fault, is that he once again will not pitch in a postseason game for the Braves. Hopefully, that changes next season — the final year left on his contract. But what he has done is solidify himself into the Hall of Fame. That should not even be a question anymore.