Braves Reinstate Chris Sale from Injured List, Ace Returns

Chris Sale made his return to the mound after two months on the injured list. He delivered a vintage performance, even though the Atlanta Braves lost 3-2 in extra innings to the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday.

Sale showed off his trademark dominance and competitive fire. The veteran lefty reminded everyone that his elite form isn’t going anywhere just yet.

Sale’s Commanding Comeback

After fracturing a rib in June, folks wondered how soon the 36-year-old ace could look like himself again. Turns out, it didn’t take long—Sale struck out nine Phillies over six innings and allowed just three hits.

He looked healthy, with his fastball popping and his slider biting. His competitive spirit was obvious from the first pitch.

Sharp From the Start

Sale retired seven of the first eight batters. He attacked the strike zone with confidence before Weston Wilson tagged him for a solo home run.

Instead of letting things get away, Sale struck out five of the next six hitters. His stuff still ranks among the toughest to hit in baseball.

The Phillies swung and missed on 15 of their 36 swings. That says plenty about the quality of his pitches.

Key Moments in the Outing

The sixth inning brought a big moment. With Bryce Harper batting and Trea Turner threatening to score, first baseman Matt Olson made a fantastic stop on a hard-hit grounder.

That defensive play kept the game tight. For Sale, it helped him walk off the mound on a high note.

Team Impact Beyond the Box Score

Sale’s numbers impressed, but his presence in the clubhouse stood out even more. Manager Brian Snitker praised him not just as a dominant pitcher but as an exceptional teammate whose energy lifts the whole roster.

Even while injured, Sale stayed engaged. He mentored younger pitchers like Hurston Waldrep and shared insights that only a former Cy Young winner can offer.

From Setback to Strong Finish

Before his rib injury, Sale was having a remarkable season. He had a 1.23 ERA over his last 10 starts and looked like a Cy Young contender again.

The injury interrupted things, but Saturday’s outing showed he’s still a major factor for the Braves down the stretch.

Eyes on a Healthy September

With just a few weeks left in the regular season, Sale says his goal is to finish September strong and enter the offseason healthy. For a pitcher who’s battled so many injuries, this stretch is about setting the tone for 2025 and helping the Braves chase the playoffs.

Why Sale’s Return Matters for Atlanta

The Braves know a healthy Chris Sale changes everything. He can dominate lineups, mentor young arms, and brings proven postseason experience.

Having a left-handed ace with his fire gives Atlanta a different edge in their rotation. It’s hard to overstate how much that matters in crunch time.

• Elite strikeout ability: Nine Ks in six innings against a playoff-caliber lineup
• Clubhouse leadership: Consistent presence and mentorship during recovery
• Proven track record: Cy Young winner who thrives in high-pressure games

The Bottom Line

Chris Sale’s Saturday night outing wasn’t just a promising return. It felt like a statement.

He mixed power pitching with veteran know-how. You could see his unshakable competitiveness on the mound.

The Braves might have found exactly what they need as the season heads toward its climax. If Sale keeps pitching like this, who knows—his 2024 could still end on a high note.

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