The Braves limped their way into the postseason. If they want to make it any further, they'll have to do so without their star hurler on the mound.
Chris Sale is one of Atlanta's most important players, having recorded arguably the best season of his glimmering career to date in 2024. The 36-year-old southpaw won't get a chance to add to those achievements in the first round, however, as he remains noticeably absent from proceedings as the Braves gear up for their wild-card matchup with the Padres.
Sale, a languid lefty known for firing bolts to the home plate, is one of his generation's greatest hurlers, turning an awkward pitch release into nearly 140 wins, more than 2,400 strikeouts, and seven top-six Cy Young finishes.
His presence on the mound can prove a harrowing sight to hitters and managers alike. Atlanta won't have access to it for at least the first two games of what it hopes can be a lengthy foray into postseason play.
So, just what are Sale's whereabouts during the Braves-Padres series? Here's what you need to know.
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Where is Chris Sale?
Sale is not a part of Atlanta's roster for its wild-card series clash with San Diego. The team opted to leave him off the 26-man list for the three-game series, citing injury issues.
The move comes one day after Sale, the frontrunner for the NL Cy Young Award, was scratched from Game 2 of the Braves' doubleheader vs. the Mets. Atlanta needed a victory to ensure safe passage into the wild-card round and Sale was expected to take the hill. However, moments before the contest's first pitch, the franchise announced that he would miss out. Grant Holmes took his place on the mound, instead.
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Sale is dealing with back spasms, MLB.com's Mark Bowman reported. Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said that Sale dealt with back issues at different points throughout the year.
Sale hasn't thrown since Sept. 19, when he gutted out a five-inning, six-strikeout display against the Reds. Sale's average velocity on the day (92.9 mph) was two ticks slower than his regular-season average (94.7 mph).
The soonest Sale will be available for selection is the division series — assuming Atlanta makes it that far. Snitker is expected to hand the ball to AJ Smith-Shawver, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Justin Toscano. Max Fried will start Game 2.
Sale won the pitching triple crown in 2024, leading the NL in wins (18), strikeouts (225), and ERA (2.38). He's the first NL pitcher to accomplish the feat since Clayton Kershaw did in 2011.
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Chris Sale season stats 2024
Sale enjoyed the best season of his legendary career in 2024. Here's a look at the numbers behind his impressive renaissance:
| Total | MLB Rank | |
|---|---|---|
| Wins | 18 | T-1st |
| Strikeouts | 225 | 2nd |
| ERA | 2.38 | 1st |
| Strikeouts/9 | 11.398 | 1st |
| bWAR | 6.2 | 3rd |
| FIP | 2.09 | 1st |
| ERA+ | 174 | 1st |
