The Atlanta Braves placed ace pitcher Chris Sale on the 15-day injured list with a fractured left ribcage, a major blow to their 2025 season. The injury, backdated to June 19, likely occurred during a diving play in Sale’s stellar 8 2/3-inning performance against the Mets on June 18.
At 36, Sale has been dominant, posting a 2.52 ERA and 114 strikeouts in 15 starts. Since May, he’s allowed just six earned runs over 54 innings (1.00 ERA). His absence leaves a gaping hole in Atlanta’s rotation, especially for a team six games below .500 and 11 games out in the NL East.
Sale’s injury, confirmed after discomfort during Friday’s workouts, could sideline him beyond the minimum 15 days, given the strain pitching places on the ribcage. A similar injury in 2022 kept him out for over three months.
The Braves recalled lefty Austin Cox and may rely on rookie Didier Fuentes to fill the void.
