The Atlanta Braves' playoff aspirations took an unexpected twist when 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.
Despite Sale's absence, the Braves managed to secure a 3-0 victory, clinching a playoff berth in the process. Yet, his unavailability casts a shadow over the team’s pitching depth as they prepare for the Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres.
Sale, who is 35 years old, has had a remarkable season. He is widely seen as the frontrunner for this year's National League Cy Young Award, and with good reason. Sale achieved the league's first pitching triple crown since 2011, boasting a 2.38 ERA (174 ERA+), a 5.77 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 29 starts, and is valued at 6.2 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) according to Baseball Reference. This stellar performance makes his sudden unavailability a significant concern for the Braves.
Manager Brian Snitker addressed the media after the game, saying, "I do not expect Sale to be an option to pitch during Atlanta's Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres." This statement raises critical questions about Atlanta's pitching strategies moving forward, particularly how they will compensate for the absence of their ace.
Bracing for the Padres
Already, the Braves have had to rely on a combination of arms to get through Monday's games. Spencer Schwellenbach, Grant Holmes, and Reynaldo López all saw action, while Max Fried took the mound last Friday and Charlie Morton threw 75 pitches on Sunday. This heavy usage of their pitching staff only exacerbates concerns about fatigue and depth, which will be tested in the playoff series.
The Wild Card Series is scheduled to begin at 8:38 p.m. ET on Tuesday night, with all games taking place at Petco Park in San Diego. Known for its pitcher-friendly dimensions, Petco Park may somewhat ease the challenge on the Braves' pitching staff, but it also demands precision and efficiency from whoever takes the mound.
Sale's Stellar Season
Chris Sale's season has been nothing short of spectacular. Leading the league in ERA, strikeouts, and wins, Sale has demonstrated why he is seen as the favorite for the Cy Young Award. His 2.38 ERA and 174 ERA+ underscore his dominance on the mound, while his 5.77 strikeout-to-walk ratio shows his control and effectiveness. Valued at 6.2 Wins Above Replacement, Sale has been instrumental in the Braves’ successful season, making his sudden unavailability a massive blow.
The Braves will need other players to step up in Sale's absence, a challenge that will test the team's depth and resilience. The responsibility may fall on the shoulders of seasoned pitchers like Fried and Morton, who have shown they can handle high-pressure situations. Nevertheless, the loss of Sale leaves a noticeable void as the Braves enter the playoff cauldron.
Ultimately, the Braves' ability to adapt and overcome this challenge will be crucial. Despite the setback, the team's performance against the Mets demonstrates their determination and potential. However, as they square off against the Padres, the Braves must find ways to mitigate the impact of Sale's absence to keep their championship aspirations alive.