The 2024 season has been nothing short of a nightmare for the Atlanta Braves when it comes to injuries. The string of setbacks seems almost scripted by their biggest rivals, with nearly every key player spending significant time on the injured list. This includes star players Ronald Acuña Jr. and Austin Riley, both of whom are out for the season.
The Braves’ pitching staff hasn’t been spared either, as Opening Day starter Spencer Strider was sidelined after just two starts, and Max Fried and Reynaldo Lopez also hit the IL during the second half of the season.
Despite the rash of injuries, Atlanta defied the odds, winning 89 games and clinching a postseason spot on the very last day of the regular season. However, just as they celebrated their playoff berth, the team received another blow. Their ace and soon-to-be National League Cy Young winner, Chris Sale, is now dealing with back spasms and will be unavailable for the Wild Card round.
Sale last pitched for the Braves on September 19th, showing signs of fatigue. At the time, both the player and the team downplayed any concerns, stating that Sale would be saved for a potential elimination game. But on Monday, just hours before Sale was set to take the mound in a crucial Game 2, he was scratched due to the injury. Manager Brian Snitker later confirmed that Sale wouldn’t be available for the first round of the postseason.
It remains unclear how long the Braves knew about the severity of Sale’s condition, but the situation has been puzzling. There appeared to be no backup plan in place, even though it’s now obvious Sale had been dealing with the issue for some time. The fact that a competitor like Sale, known for giving everything he has on the field, is unable to pitch, speaks to the seriousness of the injury.
Snitker’s recent comments suggest that Sale’s back spasms have been affecting him for weeks, which makes the lack of communication around his condition even more perplexing. The Braves, for reasons unknown, chose to keep the injury under wraps, creating uncertainty when they needed clarity the most.
There is, however, a glimmer of hope. Snitker indicated that Sale is progressing well, and there’s a chance he could be available for the next round if the Braves can survive the Wild Card series. Still, his absence has left Atlanta in a precarious position as they fight to stay alive and push the series to a decisive Game 3.
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