The Atlanta Braves are likely to be without their ace for this week’s Wild Card series against the San Diego Padres. On Monday, following the Braves’ 3-0 victory over the New York Mets, which secured a postseason berth, Braves manager Brian Snitker told reporters that Sale is unlikely to be ready for the Wild Card series against the Padres. More news: MLB Legend Pete Rose Dies at Age 83.
Sale was withdrawn from his scheduled start in the second game of the doubleheader due to back spasms. Now, the Braves will be without their greatest pitcher for the start of the postseason.
Sale is coming off one of his best seasons in 2024, his first with the Braves. Atlanta acquired Sale from the Boston Red Sox this summer, along with cash for infielder Vaughn Grissom.
Sale subsequently had his greatest season since 2018, going 18-3 with a Major League-leading 2.38 ERA and National League-high 225 strikeouts. Sale is the overwhelming favourite to win the National League Cy Young Award this year, which would be the first in his illustrious career.
From 2012 to 2018, Sale made seven straight All-Star teams and finished in the top six in Cy Young voting each year. He finished second in 2017 with the Red Sox. His debut season in the NL has been dominant, and the 35-year-old was anticipated to play an important role in Atlanta’s playoff push. However, he will now be unavailable for at least the Wild Card series, which is a best-of-three from Tuesday to Thursday.
All three games take place in San Diego. Padres manager Mike Shildt has announced his starting for the three-game series. Michael King will throw in Game 1, Joe Musgrove in Game 2, and Dylan Cease in Game 3, which is a must-win.
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