Chris Sale was originally slated to start for the Atlanta Braves on Monday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, the Braves decided to push his start back to Tuesday. Instead, right-hander Bryce Elder was called up to take the mound on Monday. Elder, who was an All-Star last year, has spent a significant portion of this season in Triple-A.
In his first season with the Braves, the 35-year-old Sale has been impressive, earning a spot on the NL All-Star team announced on Sunday. Sale has bounced back from several injury-plagued seasons and currently boasts an 11-3 record with a 2.71 ERA. The eight-time All-Star is now set to face Arizona ace Zac Gallen on Tuesday.
The Braves did not provide a specific reason for the change in Sale’s schedule. Manager Brian Snitker mentioned that the decision to bring in Elder was part of a strategy to keep the team’s starters fresh as they approach the All-Star break. “We decided to bring Bryce in, give all those guys an extra day leading into the break,” Snitker said.
Elder pitched five scoreless innings on Monday before encountering trouble in the sixth, ultimately giving up three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out one. Despite this, the Braves managed to rally past the Diamondbacks, with Sean Murphy hitting a tying homer in the ninth inning and Marcell Ozuna driving in the decisive run with a sacrifice fly in the 11th, securing a 5-4 victory for Atlanta.
Sale is also scheduled to pitch on Sunday against the San Diego Padres, which will rule him out of a potential starting assignment for the National League in the All-Star Game on July 16. “He’s going to come back on regular rest Sunday,” Snitker said. “It’s just how these things land and the guys we have involved. … It’s easy to put somebody in, but things have to be able to work right.”
Sale’s performance this season has been stellar. He is tied for the major league lead in victories and ranks sixth in strikeouts (127) and eighth in ERA. His next start against Zac Gallen is highly anticipated, as Gallen has also been performing well this season.
In addition to the pitching changes, the Braves called up veteran outfielder Eddie Rosario, who recently signed with the club after being released by the Washington Nationals. To make room on the roster for Elder and Rosario, the Braves sent left-hander Dylan Lee and utilityman Luke Williams to Triple-A Gwinnett. “We know what Eddie’s done here,” Snitker said of Rosario. “He’s got good memories here, he’s been successful here, so hopefully this is something maybe that he uses as a good second chance for him this year.”
The Braves’ decision to reschedule Sale’s start is part of a broader strategy to manage their pitching staff effectively as they head into the All-Star break. Sale’s performance this season has been a significant boost for the Braves, and his upcoming starts will be crucial as the team looks to maintain its momentum.
The Braves’ recent victory over the Diamondbacks extended their winning streak to three games. With Sale set to pitch on Tuesday, the team hopes to continue its strong performance. Sale’s matchup against Gallen is expected to be a highlight, as both pitchers have been in excellent form.
The Braves’ decision to call up Elder and Rosario reflects their commitment to maintaining a competitive edge. Elder’s performance on Monday, despite the sixth-inning trouble, showed promise, and Rosario’s experience and past success with the Braves could provide a valuable boost to the team’s lineup.
As the Braves approach the All-Star break, managing their pitching staff and keeping their starters fresh will be crucial. Sale’s rescheduled start is a strategic move that could pay off in the long run, ensuring that the team remains competitive and ready for the challenges ahead.
In summary, the Braves’ decision to reschedule Chris Sale’s start against the Diamondbacks to Tuesday is a strategic move aimed at keeping their pitching staff fresh as they approach the All-Star break. Sale’s performance this season has been outstanding, and his upcoming starts will be crucial for the Braves. The team’s recent call-ups of Bryce Elder and Eddie Rosario further demonstrate their commitment to maintaining a competitive edge. As the Braves continue their winning streak, Sale’s matchup against Zac Gallen is expected to be a highlight, showcasing two of the league’s top pitchers.
Source: AP, ESPN, The State, MLB.com, NewsObserver, CharlotteObserver, MassLive, KansasCity.com, SacBee, Associated Press
