Chris Sale Opens Up Amid His All-Star Season
Chris Sale has experienced his share of ups and downs over the past few years with the Boston Red Sox. However, his first season with the Atlanta Braves has been a resounding success so far.
Sale was elected to the MLB All-Star Game due to his stellar first-half performance. Although he will not pitch in the game, as he is scheduled to pitch for the Braves on Sunday, his selection is a testament to his excellent season. It was announced on Saturday that Sale will be replaced by Cristopher Sanchez of the Philadelphia Phillies.
Chris Sale’s Impressive Performance
Sale has pitched to a 2.74 ERA across 105 innings, recording 136 strikeouts. “Yeah, it is special,” Sale said about making his first All-Star team since 2018, via FOX Sports. “I just appreciate it, you know. There are times where you think that something like this might not happen again. But to be able to do it, you know, with a new team that put a lot of faith and trust into me… I’m appreciative of it. I’m excited to take my family there and enjoy this one.”
Sale leads MLB in wins with 12, complementing his 2.74 ERA. This season marks a tremendous comeback for Sale, who has been hampered by injuries in recent years. He was excellent for the Chicago White Sox early in his career and pitched well initially with the Red Sox. However, injuries limited his effectiveness, and he struggled to consistently showcase his ace-caliber form.
Sale’s Turnaround with the Braves
Sale has turned a corner with the Braves, emerging as a potential National League Cy Young candidate. The Braves will need Sale to maintain his high level of performance as the season progresses.
Atlanta has dominated the NL East in previous years, but the Phillies have stepped up in 2024. Winning the division will be challenging, but the Braves remain confident.
Braves Confident Despite Current Standings
Atlanta should at least secure an NL Wild Card spot. Currently, they trail the Phillies by nine games in the NL East. Philadelphia has been outstanding so far in 2024.
“Just to grind,” Sale said about what the Braves need to do to compete for a championship. “Staying through it, staying on par. Just competing. At the end of the day it’s… Put everything you got out there on the field at all times. Part of it is getting hot at the right time, too. You’re gonna hit a part of the season where you don’t play well. You’re gonna hit a part of the season where you just feel like you’re never gonna lose again. Just maintaining the competitiveness and staying together.”
The Braves are always a formidable playoff team. As long as they make it to the postseason, anything can happen. If Chris Sale continues to pitch at an All-Star level, Atlanta will be especially intriguing this October.
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