Sale's Playoff Workload Raises Red Flags After Season-Long Load Management
The Braves carefully limited Sale to 27 starts and extra rest all year, but have already used him in relief during a three-game Wild Card series.
Chris Sale, 37, was managed conservatively throughout the 2024 regular season, starting only three times in September and receiving five or more days of rest 25 times. The Braves' caution was widely attributed to his 2024 back injury that kept him out of the postseason despite winning the Cy Young. In the Wild Card round, Sale started Game 1 and then was called on to close out Game 3 in relief, a sharp departure from his regular-season handling. The compressed usage pattern raises legitimate concern about his availability and durability deeper into the postseason.
More on the Braves wire.
Sale Skips NLDS Game 2 Due to Less-Than-Full Strength
Atlanta held Sale back from Game 2, citing concerns about his health after a recent relief appearance, with manager Weiss confirming he'll start Game 3.
Braves will use bullpen game for NLDS Game 2 instead of starting Sale on short rest
Atlanta will deploy a bullpen game against the Dodgers in NLDS Game 2, per MLB.com's Mark Bowman, with Chris Sale's next start pointing toward Game 3.
Braves Make Three Roster Swaps for NLDS vs. Dodgers
Atlanta bolsters its pitching depth and adds a right-handed bat in Lane Thomas for the NLDS after a taxing Wild Card series vs. Philadelphia.
Braves tab Dodd as NLDS Game 1 starter vs. Dodgers
Atlanta turns to Dodd to open the NLDS against Los Angeles, a significant pitching choice for the postseason.
Sale's NLDS start in doubt after Wild Card relief outing
Atlanta manager Walt Weiss says the Braves will prioritize rest for Chris Sale, potentially sliding him from Game 2 to Game 3 of the NLDS vs. the Dodgers.
Elieser Hernandez elects free agency after Braves DFA ahead of Wild Card
Hernandez and Ricky Vanasco both elected free agency after going unclaimed on waivers, per MLB Trade Rumors.