Braves: Chris Sale to IL with rib fracture, significant loss for Atlanta

Chris Sale to the Injured List with Rib Fracture

The Atlanta Braves have placed their star pitcher, Chris Sale, on the 15-day injured list due to a fracture in his left rib cage.

“He was doing his exercises (on Friday) and felt that something wasn’t right,” commented manager Brian Snitker before Saturday’s game against the Miami Marlins. “So they checked it out and it showed what it showed.”

Brian Snitker, Manager of the Atlanta Braves

In his previous outing against the New York Mets on Wednesday, Sale made an outstanding defensive play, diving to stop a hit by Juan Soto and striking out Pete Alonso. He was replaced after allowing a single to Brandon Nimmo.

“It’s something fortuitous. Something unfortunate,” Snitker added. “I saw him after the game that night and he was doing his postgame workout. And then I saw him the next day and I think maybe he felt a little uncomfortable the next day. But (Friday) was when he wanted to get it checked out.”

Brian Snitker, Manager of the Atlanta Braves

Sale, with a 5-4 record and a 2.52 ERA in 15 starts this season, threw a season-high 116 pitches and 8 2/3 innings against the Mets.

“It’s a tough blow for us and for him,” Snitker said. “He was doing so well. It’s a tough blow.”

Brian Snitker, Manager of the Atlanta Braves

After six seasons with the Boston Red Sox, Sale was traded to the Braves in December 2023. In his first season in Atlanta, Sale led the National League in wins (18) and strikeouts (225), as well as recording the league’s best ERA with 2.38. Snitker has not provided an estimated date for the return of his star pitcher.

“With bones like those, they have to heal before you can begin the process, but I have no idea how long it will take,” he explained.

Brian Snitker, Manager of the Atlanta Braves

The Braves began Saturday with a 34-40 record, 11 games behind the Philadelphia, leaders of the National League East Division. They had won six of seven games, including a three-game sweep against the Mets, before losing the first game of the series against Miami on Friday. In a corresponding move retroactive to Thursday, the Braves called up left-handed pitcher Austin Cox from Triple-A Gwinnett.