In an absolute shocker, Braves manager Brian Snitker has announced that veteran left-hander Chris Sale will start on Opening Day at San Diego, per multiple reports. It will be Sale’s first Opening Day start for Atlanta in his second year with the team. However, he has experience in this role with five career Opening Day starts under his belt in his 15-year career (three with the White Sox and two with the Red Sox).
Your 2025 Opening Day Starter for the Atlanta Braves: Chris Sale
#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/zUJwW0xX2T
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) March 17, 2025
Atlanta’s day one starter from a year ago, Spencer Strider, is still on the mend from an internal brace procedure, which made this decision a very easy one. Strider will make his first start of Spring Training today and is expected back sometime in April. Prior to 2024, Max Fried started three straight Opening Days for Atlanta from 2021-2023. He signed an 8-year, $218 million contract with the New York Yankees this offseason.
An Easy Choice
Chris Sale, 35, is looking to follow a historic season that very few saw coming. The lanky lefty was acquired from Boston in December 2023, which came after multiple injury-riddled seasons and a downturn in performance. The range of expectations was wide, to say the least. Then, Sale answered all the critics by staying healthy and winning the NL Cy Young Award and NL Comeback Player of the Year.
The future Hall-of-Famer led the National League in wins (18), ERA (2.38), and strikeouts (225) to take home the pitching Triple Crown. He also led the way in ERA+ (174), FIP (2.09), and HR/9 (0.5). Sale was dominant all year and carried the Braves pitching staff at times.
The veteran has looked sharp so far in Spring Training 2025. Entering Monday’s play, he carries a 3.52 ERA and a 0.85 WHIP with 15 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings. In his most recent start on Saturday, he went six innings, allowing just four hits, two runs, and a walk while piling up nine strikeouts against a Red Sox lineup featuring most of their regulars. Chris Sale will likely make one more start before toeing the rubber for the season opener on March 27th. The Braves should feel good about their chances in that one.
Main Photo Credits: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
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