Chris Sale’s Tough Test! Braves Pitcher Faces Adversity, But Remains Rotation Leader
Despite the Atlanta Braves’ most recent pitching struggles there has been a bit of hope found in the talent of veteran pitcher Chris Sale. However, the Braves’ matchup against the Rays on March 10 was not without its struggles.
Sale has proved to be a key member of the Braves’ pitching staff during Grapefruit League play as they recover from a season plagued with injury and set-backs. In contrast to the set-backs faced by his team in 2024 Sale used that season to prove himself after struggling with injury himself in the years prior. He became Atlanta’s ace and a Cy Young contender as he helped the struggling Braves team battle their way into the postseason.
His few appearances in Spring Training games proved that he plans to step up and continue to be at the top of the Braves’ lineup. Unfortunately Sale’s performance on March 10 was a concerning one.
Despite pitching well to start the game and striking out two batters Sale did not deliver in the way that Braves’ fans are used to seeing. Tampa Bay’s second baseman Brandon Lowe’s two run home run in the third was the start of Sale’s struggles against the Rays. To start the fourth inning Sale gave up a leadoff single, a walk and then a double before being removed from the mound for the game.
It is expected that Sale will appear in two more Spring Training matchups before Opening Day. If he remains healthy and performs well he will reclaim his spot as the Braves’ ace on March 27 in their Opening Day game against the Padres.
