The injuries for the Atlanta Braves are continuing to pile up as the post-season begins.
Atlanta left NL Cy Young favourite Chris Sale off its wild-card roster ahead of Tuesday’s Game 1 against the San Diego Padres. The 35-year-old southpaw was scratched from starting in the second half of Monday’s doubleheader against the New York Mets due to back spasms — an issue that has bothered him throughout the season.
Braves manager Brian Snitker told reporters Monday that Sale’s back issues became more problematic during his last start on Sept. 16. In that outing, the 14-year MLB veteran allowed two runs over 5.0 innings against the Cincinnati Reds, but had a noticeable drop in his velocity.
“I think he felt it in Cincinnati, but it’s something he’s had off and on all year,” Snitker said.
General manager Alex Anthopoulos insisted the latest round of back spasms only cropped up after a throwing session on Sunday.
“He’s been throwing all week just to keep his arm going,” Anthopoulos said. “He went out to the cages to throw. He came in after and told us his back was tight. We talked to him about it and he told us he’s pitched with worse.”
Sale ended the 2024 campaign as the National League pitching Triple Crown winner, pacing the Senior Circuit with 18 wins, a 2.38 ERA and 225 strikeouts.
The Braves added 21-year-old starter AJ Smith-Shawver to their wild-card roster in Sale’s spot. Smith-Shawver didn’t allow a run in his only appearance with Atlanta this season, striking out four over 4.1 against the Chicago Cubs.
— With files from The Associated Press
