The Atlanta Braves scratched Chris Sale from his start on Monday against the New York Mets with back spasms.
Sale was in line to start the all-important second game of a doubleheader against the Mets that determined the final two National League Wild Card spots. The Mets took the first game over the Braves, 8-7, in a dramatic, come-from-behind win at Truist Park.
Chris Sale has been scratched from Game 2 due to back spasms. Grant Holmes will start for Atlanta in their must-win game pic.twitter.com/M13Zjq18Vd
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 30, 2024
Chris Sale Injured Right Before Postseason
In Sale’s place, 28-year-old rookie Grant Holmes, who reportedly found out he’d be starting with the season on the line about an hour before start time, started for the Braves. Despite the short notice, Holmes turned in a four-inning start, allowing one hit, a walk, and striking out seven.
The Braves put up three runs thanks to a Gio Urshela RBI single in the second inning and a Marcell Ozuna two-run single in the seventh. With their 3-0 win, the Braves advanced to the National League Wild Card round and will face the San Diego Padres as the No. 5 seed. The Mets will face the Milwaukee Brewers as the No. 6 seed.
In relief of Holmes, the Braves sent five pitchers—Daysbel Hernández, Dylan Lee, Reynaldo López, Joe Jiménez, and Raisel Iglesias—to the mound to hold the Mets to just three hits and no runs. While pitching largely failed the Braves in the first game, it picked them up in the second.
What Will the Braves’ Postseason Rotation Look Like?
Following the game, Braves manager Brian Snitker informed reporters that Sale is not expected to appear in their series against the Padres. Whomever the Braves decide to start for Game 1 of the Wild Card Series in San Diego will oppose Padres hurler Michael King, who posted a 2.95 ERA in 173 innings this season.
Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker told reporters he does not expect National League Cy Young favorite Chris Sale, who was scratched today with back spasms, to pitch in their wild card series against San Diego. Massive loss for the Braves, whose rotation is now in flux.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) September 30, 2024
Having Chris Sale, the NL Cy Young favorite, injured for the potential three-game set is a massive blow to the Braves rotation. Across 177 2/3 innings, Sale led the majors in wins (18), ERA (2.38), ERA+ (174), and FIP (2.09). He also led the NL with 225 strikeouts.
Photo Credit: © Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
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