Chris Sale Returns to Braves After Two-Month Injured List Absence

The Atlanta Braves finally had their ace, Chris Sale, back on the mound Saturday night. He’d spent a long stretch on the 60-day injured list after fracturing a rib in June.

The nine-time All-Star looked sharp in his return, striking out nine and allowing just three hits over six innings against the Phillies. Even with Sale dominating, the Braves came up short and lost 3-2 in extra innings—another tough blow to their fading playoff hopes.

Chris Sale’s Impactful Return to the Braves Rotation

Fans waited a while for Sale’s comeback, especially after the Braves slogged through weeks without him or other key starters. He worked his way back with three rehab starts at Triple-A, building up his pitch count.

His final rehab outing lasted 4⅔ innings and showed he was ready to face big-league hitters again. That’s the kind of progress that gets everyone’s hopes up.

Dominance on the Mound Despite a Team Loss

Sale faced a tough Phillies lineup and had both his command and velocity dialed in. The only real hiccup came in the third, when Weston Wilson hit a solo homer.

Otherwise, Sale mixed his fastball and slider to keep hitters guessing. It was a reminder of why he’s still one of the most intimidating lefties out there.

But the game slipped away in the 10th, when Trea Turner knocked in two runs and sealed the Braves’ loss. Sale’s strong outing got overshadowed in the end.

Braves’ Season Rollercoaster and Injury Woes

Sale’s return breaks a rough streak—every Braves Opening Day starter landed on the injured list since late July. That string of injuries has really hurt Atlanta’s season.

From Contenders to Long Shots

Earlier this year, the Braves sat near the top of the National League. Now, with a 61-75 record, they’re staring at missing the postseason for the first time since 2017.

It’s a brutal turn for a team full of veterans that seemed built for October. Sometimes baseball just doesn’t care about expectations.

Chris Sale’s Numbers Tell the Story

Even at 36, Sale’s putting up elite numbers. He’s 5-4 with a 2.45 ERA over 15 starts this season.

He’s brought steadiness to a team that’s been anything but steady. The swings and misses, the control—Atlanta’s needed every bit of it.

Remembering a Historic 2023 Season

Last year, his first with the Braves, Sale snagged the National League pitching Triple Crown. He led the league in wins (18), strikeouts (225), and ERA (2.38).

That kind of dominance made the Braves real contenders. The hope was he’d repeat it this year, but injuries had other plans for both him and the team.

What Sale’s Return Means Going Forward

The Braves’ playoff chances look slim, but Sale’s starts still matter. He gives Atlanta a shot to see how the rest of the roster handles high-level games.

Maybe it’s not about this year anymore. But Sale’s presence could help set the tone for 2025, and that’s something to hang onto.

Key Takeaways from Sale’s Comeback

• Sale tossed six innings and struck out nine, showing he’s bounced back from his rib injury.
• The Braves keep struggling with their offense, even when the pitching looks sharp.
• Injuries have really hurt Atlanta’s chances in the postseason hunt.
• Sale’s leadership and drive might help younger pitchers as the team moves ahead.

Baseball fans get it—having a real ace back and healthy makes a difference. Chris Sale proved that in his return.

The Braves probably won’t claw back into the race this year, but at least they’ll hit the offseason with their star lefty in good shape for next season. If Sale can just stay healthy, Atlanta’s shot at October feels a lot more believable.

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