The Atlanta Braves faced a significant setback on Saturday as reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a fractured left ribcage. The injury, sustained during a diving defensive play in the ninth inning of Wednesday's game against the New York Mets, has left the Braves without one of their most dominant pitchers during a critical stretch of the season.
Sale's injury was officially announced on June 21, 2025, with the injured list placement retroactive to June 19. The 36-year-old left-hander made a remarkable diving stop on a grounder hit by Juan Soto between the mound and first base, throwing out Soto for the first out of the inning. Despite the impressive play, Sale landed awkwardly on his left side, damaging his ribs in the process. He remained in the game to strike out Pete Alonso before allowing a bloop single to Brandon Nimmo and was subsequently lifted just one out shy of completing a shutout.
Manager Brian Snitker described the injury as "just a freak thing" and "an unfortunate thing." He recounted, "He was doing his exercises [Friday] and felt like something wasn't right, so they had him looked at it, and it showed what it showed." Snitker emphasized the uncertainty surrounding Sale's recovery timeline, stating, "With bones like that, they've got to heal before you can start the process, but I have no idea how long it will be." The Braves are expected to wait until Sale's symptoms diminish before estimating a return date, which could be significant given the injury's nature, Sale's age, and the physical demands of his pitching style.
Sale's 2025 season had been nothing short of stellar before the injury. Over 15 starts, he posted a 5-4 record with a 2.52 ERA and amassed 114 strikeouts in 89.1 innings. His recent form was particularly impressive; in his last 10 starts, Sale posted a 1.23 ERA with a 1.00 WHIP, striking out 82 batters in 66 innings, ranking him among the top pitchers in baseball during that stretch. His most recent outing against the Mets saw him throw 116 pitches over 8⅔ innings, a career-high for the season and just one pitch shy of the MLB season-high for any pitcher this year.
Sale's impact on the Braves extends beyond his on-field performance. Saturday's starter Grant Holmes, who delivered a strong 5⅔ scoreless innings performance in a 7-0 win over the Miami Marlins, expressed the team's sentiments: "It sucks, honestly. He's a very big part of this team. A very good leader. Hopefully, he'll stay around and be with the guys. Having Chris Sale in the clubhouse speaks for itself. He's a great leader. A great teammate. A great friend." Snitker echoed this, noting Sale's leadership and composure on the mound, praising the young pitchers stepping up in his absence.
The Braves' rotation faces challenges without Sale, especially as they also contend with other injured starters. Reynaldo Lopez remains on the injured list with a shoulder injury, and AJ Smith-Shawver is out following Tommy John surgery earlier this month. The current rotation includes Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, Grant Holmes, Bryce Elder, and Didier Fuentes, who made his Major League debut on June 20, 2025, against Miami. Fuentes, just three days past his 20th birthday and the youngest player in the majors this season, pitched five innings allowing four earned runs, six hits, and one walk while striking out three.
Austin Cox, a left-handed pitcher with Triple-A Gwinnett, was recalled to the major league roster in a corresponding move to bolster the bullpen depth. Cox has pitched 13 innings this season at Triple-A with a 4.85 ERA, 10 strikeouts, and a 1.69 WHIP. While his numbers suggest room for improvement, Cox's addition provides the Braves with additional pitching options as they navigate this period of adversity.
Despite Sale's injury, the Braves have shown resilience, winning seven of their last 10 games and posting a 3.13 ERA during that span. The team currently holds a 35-40 record, trailing the NL East-leading Philadelphia Phillies by 10.5 games. Atlanta is preparing to open a four-game series against the New York Mets on Monday, June 23, 2025, followed by a three-game set against the Philadelphia Phillies starting Friday, June 27, at Truist Park.
Sale's journey with the Braves has been a remarkable one. After six injury-plagued seasons with the Boston Red Sox, where he made only 31 starts over four years, Sale was traded to Atlanta in December 2023. He rebounded spectacularly in 2024, winning the NL pitching Triple Crown by leading the league in wins (18), strikeouts (225), and ERA (2.38). His performance earned him the NL Cy Young Award, cementing his status as one of the premier pitchers in the game.
Sale's contract with the Braves includes an $18 million club option for 2026, reflecting the team's commitment to their ace. However, the fractured rib injury introduces uncertainty that could impact both Sale's availability and the Braves' playoff aspirations.
As the Braves face this unexpected hurdle, the focus shifts to the depth and resilience of their pitching staff. Manager Brian Snitker remains pragmatic: "We'll just go with the five guys we've got. It's just good to get the first one out of the way." The Braves will rely on emerging talents like Fuentes and seasoned arms like Strider and Schwellenbach to keep the rotation competitive during Sale's absence.
While Sale's injury is a tough blow, the Braves' recent surge and strong pitching depth provide a foundation to build upon. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team adapts and whether Sale can return to his dominant form in due time.
