The Atlanta Braves might finally be getting some good news on the injury front. All-Star left-hander Chris Sale is scheduled to throw live batting practice on Thursday, marking a major milestone in his recovery from fractured ribs that have sidelined him since mid-June.
Manager Brian Snitker confirmed the update this week, noting the team will monitor how Sale feels the day after before charting the next steps.
“He’s excited,” Snitker said. “It’s always good when a guy like that is amped to get back on the mound.”
Rehab Next?
If all goes well, Sale could begin a minor league rehab assignment soon, though Snitker was cautious not to commit to a specific timeline just yet. A brief stint with Triple-A Gwinnett is the likely destination before he rejoins the Braves’ depleted rotation.
Sale is eligible to return from the 60-day IL on August 19, just over two months after his last outing. In that June 18 start, he came one strike away from a complete-game shutout before a diving attempt to field a bloop single resulted in a rib fracture.
Despite the injury, Sale was still selected to his ninth All-Star Game — a nod to his dominance before going down. In his last 10 starts, he posted a 1.23 ERA, dropping his season ERA from 6.17 to 2.52 and re-establishing himself as one of the sharpest arms in the game.
Braves’ Rotation in Shambles
Sale’s return would be one of the few glimmers of hope for a Braves rotation that has been completely gutted. All five Opening Day starters have landed on the 60-day injured list this year. Brian Snitker recently gave an update on most of the injured Braves players.
- Grant Holmes is out for the year (elbow).
- AJ Smith-Shawver had Tommy John surgery.
- Spencer Schwellenbach (fractured elbow) hasn’t resumed throwing.
- Reynaldo López (shoulder) is still throwing but won’t be ramped back up as a starter.
That leaves Atlanta with a patchwork staff of Spencer Strider, Joey Wentz, Bryce Elder, Erick Fedde, and Carlos Carrasco. The Braves also have a doubleheader looming, and prospect Hurston Waldrep appears the likely choice to fill in.
What Comes Next?
If Thursday’s session goes smoothly, the Braves could greenlight a rehab assignment as early as next week, giving Sale a chance to return by his Aug. 19 eligibility date — or shortly thereafter. That could offer a desperately needed shot in the arm for Atlanta, a team whose season has been marred by injuries and inconsistency.
There’s still no clear playoff path, but getting Chris Sale back could at least stabilize the rotation — and maybe salvage a strong finish in a season full of setbacks.