Chris Sale's Unexpected Scratch Throws Braves' Plans into Uncertainty
In an unexpected turn of events, Atlanta Braves ace left-hander Chris Sale was scratched from his scheduled start in the second game of Monday's doubleheader against the New York Mets due to back spasms. Sale’s abrupt unavailability has sent ripples through the Braves' pitching plans, especially as they gear up for the Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres.
Despite the setback, the Braves clinched a playoff berth with a 3-0 victory over the Mets in the game Sale was supposed to start. This achievement, however, has been somewhat overshadowed by concerns about their pitching depth moving forward.
Concerns Over Pitching Depth
Chris Sale, at 35 years old, has been a linchpin for the Braves' rotation this season. His numbers are nothing short of dazzling: a 2.38 ERA (174 ERA+), a 5.77 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 29 starts, and being valued at 6.2 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference. Sale's performance has positioned him as a strong contender for this year’s National League Cy Young Award. Additionally, he secured the league's first pitching triple crown since 2011, an accolade that underscores his dominance on the mound.
The timing of his back spasms could not be worse for the Braves, who are set to face the Padres in the Wild Card Series. Manager Brian Snitker has already tempered expectations regarding Sale's availability, stating, "Manager Brian Snitker told reporters after the game that he does not expect Sale to be an option to pitch during Atlanta's Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres."
Adjusting the Rotation
In Sale's absence, the Braves' pitching duties fell on the shoulders of Spencer Schwellenbach, Grant Holmes, and Reynaldo López, who all took the mound as part of Monday's doubleheader. Even with their contributions, the question remains: how will the Braves adjust their rotation for the high-stakes Wild Card Series?
Max Fried, who started on Friday, and Charlie Morton, having thrown 75 pitches on Sunday, appear to be the leading candidates to take the mound against the Padres. However, the disrupted schedule and increased workload on the bullpen could pose challenges. Historically, Petco Park in San Diego, where all the Wild Card Series games will be played, has been known for its pitcher-friendly dimensions. This may offer some comfort to the Braves staff as they navigate this period of uncertainty.
Looking to the Wild Card Series
The first game of the Wild Card Series is set for 8:38 p.m. ET on Tuesday night. With the Braves' pitching rotation in flux, eyes will be on how Snitker and his staff strategize around Sale’s absence. The Braves have shown resilience throughout the season, and now more than ever, that resilience will be tested.
As the Braves adapt to their new reality, they still boast a robust lineup and a capable pitching staff, even without their star ace. The team's ability to overcome this adversity will be crucial as they aim to make a deep run in the playoffs. The baseball world will be watching closely as the first pitch is thrown in San Diego.
This unforeseen hiccup presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the Braves. While the loss of Sale undoubtedly stings, it opens the door for other pitchers to step up and shine. The Wild Card Series will not only test the Braves' depth but also their mettle as championship contenders.