Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale, a leading contender for the National League Cy Young Award, will miss the Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres due to back issues.
Sale was pulled from the Braves’ regular-season finale, a makeup doubleheader against the New York Mets, just before Monday’s game started.
Manager Brian Snitker confirmed that Sale, the team’s top pitcher, won’t be available for the best-of-three series, which begins Tuesday. His status will be reevaluated if the Braves advance to the Division Series.
“He’s eager to contribute,” Snitker said. “We’re hopeful that with more rest, we can get him ready for the next round.”
Grant Holmes, a less established pitcher, replaced Sale in the game against the Mets, throwing four innings of one-hit ball, helping the Braves secure a 3-0 win and a spot in the Wild Card Series.
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The Mets also clinched a playoff spot with a thrilling 8-7 victory in the first game of the doubleheader, while the defending National League champion Arizona Diamondbacks were eliminated.
All three teams finished the season with an 89-73 record, but tiebreakers based on head-to-head series results gave the Braves and Mets an edge over the Diamondbacks.
Snitker explained that Sale (18-3, 2.38 ERA) has dealt with back problems throughout the season, but the issue worsened after his last start against Cincinnati on September 19, where his velocity noticeably dropped.
“I think he first felt it in Cincinnati, but it’s something that’s bothered him on and off all year,” Snitker said. “He knows how to manage it.”
Sale had been scheduled to pitch against the Mets last Wednesday, but rain postponed the game. Snitker had delayed Sale’s start to save him for a key game, but general manager Alex Anthopoulos revealed that Sale’s back spasms flared up after a Sunday throwing session.
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