Chris Sale showed significant progress in his second rehab start on Sunday, pitching effectively for the Atlanta Braves’ Triple-A affiliate, Gwinnett. After an uneven beginning, Sale settled in to limit Louisville‘s offense, demonstrating improvements that highlight his ongoing recovery.
Sale completed four innings while allowing only three hits and one walk, with all baserunners reaching during the first inning. A crucial double play helped him finish the inning without further damage. After that shaky start, he retired the next 10 batters consecutively, striking out four over the course of the outing.
Improved Mechanics and Rhythm Underpinning Better Results
Sale credited getting a handle on his mechanics between the first and second innings as a turning point in his performance. Early on, Sale felt he was rushing and delivering pitches that were too hittable, but after dialing it back and finding a better rhythm, his control improved markedly.
“I was just getting going a little fast and really needed to kind of dial in my mechanics before I started getting after it,” he said. “I think everything in that first inning was just kind of up. Threw a lot of hittable pitches. I think once I dialed it back a little bit and kind of got into a rhythm and a little bit better into hitting better spots with my mechanics, it was much better.” —Chris Sale, Pitcher
He threw 56 of 60 planned pitches during the game and was prepared to face another batter, though the team decided to end his session there to manage his workload carefully. This measured approach reflects the Braves’ cautious optimism as Sale continues to rebuild his stamina.
“You know, I’ve been away from this game for a couple months now, so I’ll take four more pitches wherever I can get them.”
—Chris Sale, Pitcher
Physical Condition and Mental Readiness on the Rise
Sale noted that his body felt better than during his previous rehab outing, indicating positive physical progress. The Braves, who had recently won eight of their last ten games entering Sunday, are encouraged by these signs and are preparing for his potential return to the major league roster.
The reigning Cy Young Award winner expressed excitement watching the Braves’ recent success and eagerness to contribute. He described the period since the All-Star break as revitalizing, inspiring him to accelerate his comeback.
“It’s fun to watch, and that makes it more exciting to want to get back and help that,” Sale said. “It seemed like after the All-Star Break, it was kind of a breath of fresh air.” —Chris Sale, Pitcher
Next Steps for Sale’s Rehab and Return Timeline
This latest outing marks a clear improvement compared to Sale’s first rehab start, where he lasted only two innings and threw 40 pitches to record six outs. The positive momentum gained Sunday could shorten his path back to the Braves’ active roster as he approaches eligibility for activation.
It remains uncertain whether Sale will make another rehab appearance, potentially requiring travel to Memphis, or if the Braves will recall him soon. Regardless, this progression draws the team closer to reintegrating their ace lefty into the pitching rotation, potentially bolstering Atlanta’s competitiveness in the coming weeks.