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 a bout of back spasms. Despite his absence, the Braves clinched a playoff berth with a 3-0 victory in that game.
Chris Sale's unavailability has left Atlanta's pitching depth in question as they head into the Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres. The 35-year-old pitcher is having an exceptional season and is a leading candidate for this year's National League Cy Young Award. Notably, he also secured the league's first pitching triple crown since 2011, boasting a 2.38 ERA (174 ERA+) and a 5.77 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 29 starts. His valuable contributions have been measured at 6.2 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference.
Manager Brian Snitker addressed the media after the game, confirming that Sale is not expected to be an option for the Wild Card Series. "I don’t expect Sale to be an option to pitch during Atlanta's Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres," Snitker said. This revelation has put a spotlight on the Braves' pitching staff as they prepare for the crucial series.
In Monday's games, Spencer Schwellenbach, Grant Holmes, and Reynaldo López all took the mound for the Braves. Max Fried also recently started on Friday, while Charlie Morton threw 75 pitches on Sunday. This rotation will need to step up in Sale's absence, starting with the first game of the Wild Card Series which is scheduled for 8:38 p.m. ET on Tuesday night.
All the games in the Wild Card Series will be played at Petco Park in San Diego, a venue known for its pitcher-friendly dimensions. This gives the Braves some hope, as their pitchers might find a bit more leniency in the roomy ballpark. Petco Park's expansive outfield could serve to minimize damage from potential hard-hit balls, giving Atlanta’s pitching staff additional room for error.
Chris Sale's potential Cy Young Award marks a significant milestone, given his performance this season. His 2.38 ERA and dominant statistics have placed him well ahead of many in the league's pitching roster. The last time a pitcher achieved a triple crown was in 2011, illustrating the remarkable nature of Sale's accomplishments.
The Wild Card Series promises to be a test for the Braves, particularly in how they manage their rotation without their ace, Sale. Spencer Schwellenbach, Grant Holmes, and Reynaldo López will face immense pressure to fill in effectively. Schwellenbach and Holmes have been reliable, but none have matched the caliber of Sale’s performance this season.
As the Braves toe the line, their success will depend significantly on the adaptability and strength of a pitching staff that has undergone numerous challenges throughout the season. Atlanta’s hitters will also need to step up, ensuring that the run support is ample to relieve some pressure off the pitchers.
Moreover, the importance of strategic management from Manager Brian Snitker cannot be overstated. His decisions will largely determine the deployment of pitchers, potentially making or breaking the Braves postseason aspirations. The significance of maintaining morale and focus in the dressing room is another crucial aspect Snitker will need to address heading into the series.
While Chris Sale’s absence is a setback, it presents an opportunity for other pitchers to rise to the occasion. The Braves’ path forward may be steep, but a cohesive team performance can still pave the way for success. With the first game of the Wild Card Series imminent, all eyes will be on the Braves as they endeavor to prove their mettle in postseason baseball.