Chris Sale Impresses in Spring Training Start for Braves
EL NUEVO DIARIO, NORTH PORT, Fla. — Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale had mixed feelings about his performance in Sunday’s Grapefruit League start against the Phillies. Despite describing it as “terrible, good, and pretty good at the same time,” Sale showed glimpses of the dominant pitcher he used to be before injuries plagued his last four seasons.
Sale, known for his great sense of humor, used five strikeouts to throw 2 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing only three hits and two walks. The veteran left-hander expressed a desire to clean up some command issues but felt confident in his ability to deliver when needed.
This marked Sale’s first start in front of the Atlanta home crowd since being acquired from the Red Sox in December. Fans showed their appreciation with a standing ovation as Sale ended his outing with a strikeout.
Having recorded nine strikeouts and no runs allowed in his first 4 2/3 innings of spring training, Sale is on a mission to return to his top form from 2012 to 2018. He aims to be a valuable asset to the Braves and contribute to their postseason aspirations after a successful offseason without injury concerns.
While the Braves do not have a set innings limit for Sale, they plan to monitor his workload and provide rest days to ensure he remains fresh for the postseason. Manager Brian Snitker praised Sale’s control and competitiveness in his Sunday start, emphasizing the pitcher’s ability to overcome obstacles.
Sale’s performance against the Phillies showcased his strong determination and potential to make a significant impact on the Braves’ pitching rotation. With a focus on staying healthy and competitive throughout the season, Sale looks poised to be a key player for Atlanta in the upcoming season.