Sale's 2026 ERA Puts Him in Elite Braves Pitching Company
Through 20 starts in 2026, Chris Sale's 2.08 ERA is the fifth-lowest in Braves history since 1969, behind only Greg Maddux's legendary runs.
Chris Sale has posted a 2.08 ERA through his first 20 starts of the 2026 season, placing him among the best single-season ERA marks for a Braves pitcher since 1969. Only Greg Maddux achieved lower ERAs at the same point in a season, doing so three times between 1994 and 1998. Sale also ranks ahead of Reynaldo Lopez's 2.05 mark through 20 starts in 2024. The stat underscores Sale's sustained dominance as a key piece of Atlanta's rotation.
More on the Braves wire.
Smith-Shawver Minor League Stint Ends Friday, Braves Decision Looms
After a dominant 6.1-inning outing at Gwinnett, Smith-Shawver is set to clear his rehab minimum and could return to Atlanta's rotation.
Strider Starts Throwing Program, Return Still Distant
Atlanta's Spencer Strider has begun a throwing program, a positive step away from surgery but not a sign he's close to returning.
Strider Cleaned Out Locker, Not Expected Back This Season
Beat reporter confirms Strider's locker has been cleared and given to Mahle, strongly implying Strider is done for the year.
Schwellenbach's Return Timeline Slipping Away for Atlanta
The Braves righty began his throwing program in June but remains far from game action, with a rehab assignment still weeks away at best.
Strider Unlikely to Return in 2025, Begins Throwing Program
Braves manager Walt Weiss indicated he cannot count on Strider pitching this year, though a throwing program start offers some hope for 2026.
Chris Sale Ejected During Game After Balk Dispute Carries Over
Atlanta's ace was tossed from the game, with lingering tension from a balk ruling the day before cited as the backdrop.
