Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale has been placed on the 15-day injured list after fracturing his ribs while diving to field a ground ball late in last Wednesday’s game. The injury occurred during a start, sidelining Sale as he recovers from the fractured rib cage.

Details on Sale’s Injury and Treatment

Recent reports from baseball insiders reveal that Sale sustained two small rib fractures. A.J. Pierzynski, Sale’s former catcher with both the Chicago White Sox and Atlanta Braves, shared this update during the Foul Territory broadcast. Meanwhile, David O’Brien of The Athletic noted that Sale is currently traveling with the Braves and receiving ongoing treatment.

O’Brien shared a positive outlook for Sale’s return, quoting Braves manager Brian Snitker:

“Braves fully anticipate Chris Sale pitching again this season, though they won’t have a timeline until they see how soon his fractured rib cage (that’s what they termed it) heals. He’s with the team, Snitker said, because they travel w/ a machine that stimulates bone healing.”

—David O’Brien, Sports Journalist

Sale’s Performance Before the Injury

At 36 years old, Sale was having another strong season before the injury, showcasing elite pitching metrics. Over 15 starts, he recorded a 2.5 fWAR while striking out nearly 31 percent of batters faced and issuing walks at just a 7 percent rate. His Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) stood at 2.65 across 89.1 innings, reflecting his dominant form.

Implications for Sale and the Braves Moving Forward

While this marks yet another injury-shortened season for the 2024 National League Cy Young Award winner, the Braves remain hopeful for his return later in the summer. The club’s decision to have Sale travel with the team and use specialized bone stimulation therapy highlights their commitment to his rehabilitation and eventual comeback.