The Atlanta Braves’ season has been tough to watch at times, but one consistent bright spot has been the starting rotation—especially Chris Sale, who found his rhythm in May after a slow start and looked like a front-runner for the 2024 NL Cy Young. Just when everything seemed to be clicking, disaster struck.
After a dominant outing against the New York Mets at Truist Park, Sale was unexpectedly placed on the injured list with a fractured ribcage, reportedly sustained while diving for a ground ball in the ninth inning. The Braves haven’t set a timeline for his return, as it depends on how quickly the injury heals. According to former teammate A.J. Pierzynski, who spoke with Sale directly, the lefty suffered “two small rib fractures” but is “doing okay.” Still, the uncertainty is concerning—phrases like “fully anticipate he’ll pitch again this season” don’t exactly inspire confidence.
Risk Becomes Reality: Braves’ Gamble on Sale Hits a Snag
Sale’s hustle can’t be faulted—he laid it all on the line in a high-effort play—but it highlights the gamble the Braves took when they acquired him. His injury history is extensive, and this setback is an unfortunate reminder of how fragile he can be. As Braves insider David O’Brien noted, the team is doing everything they can, including traveling with specialized equipment to assist in bone healing.
From 2019 to 2023, Sale struggled to stay healthy, battling a range of issues from shoulder injuries to Tommy John surgery and various fractures. That injury-plagued past is why the Red Sox were willing to trade him for so little, despite his elite talent.
Fortunately for Atlanta, Sale stayed mostly healthy through 2024 and was instrumental in their postseason push, even though a back issue sidelined him during the playoffs. As Ken Rosenthal pointed out, without Sale, the Braves may not be a playoff-caliber team this year. The offense has underwhelmed, and road games have been a problem—but there’s still hope if they can regain momentum.
This rib injury is a freak accident, not a recurring issue, but it still leaves the Braves scrambling. In the meantime, fans will get a look at Didier Fuentes, who now has a golden opportunity to prove himself on a bigger stage.
Now it’s up to the rest of Atlanta’s rotation to step up and keep the season alive—until Sale can return to lead the charge once again.
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