Atlanta Braves left-hander Chris Sale was unexpectedly scratched from his scheduled start in the second game of Monday's doubleheader against the New York Mets due to back spasms. The Braves, however, managed to secure a 3-0 victory in that game, which clinched them a playoff berth.
Despite their success, Sale's unavailability raises questions about the team's pitching depth as they head into the Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres. Manager Brian Snitker did not mince words when addressing Sale's condition. "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." This development places additional pressure on the Braves' remaining pitchers to step up in his absence.
Sale, at 35 years old, has had an impressive season that positions him as a likely candidate for the National League Cy Young Award. His statistics are formidable: a 2.38 ERA (174 ERA+), a 5.77 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 29 starts, and a 6.2 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) according to Baseball Reference. Additionally, he secured the league’s first pitching triple crown since 2011, making his absence even more pronounced.
In Monday's games, the Braves utilized pitchers Spencer Schwellenbach, Grant Holmes, and Reynaldo López to navigate through their doubleheader against the Mets. This carousel of pitchers illustrates the Braves' resourcefulness but also underscores the uncertainty surrounding their rotation as they prepare for the postseason.
Max Fried, another cornerstone of the Braves' pitching staff, started on Friday, while Charlie Morton threw 75 pitches on Sunday. Both pitchers will likely play key roles in the upcoming Wild Card Series, especially given the absence of Sale.
The first game of the Wild Card Series is scheduled for 8:38 p.m. ET on Tuesday night, with all games to be played at Petco Park in San Diego. Petco Park is known for its pitcher-friendly dimensions, a factor that could potentially play in favor of the Braves' remaining pitchers, who will need every advantage they can get.
The Braves' ability to adapt quickly and effectively will be crucial. With Sale sidelined, the team’s depth and resilience will be put to the test. How they respond could very well determine their success in the postseason.