In a devastating turn for the Atlanta Braves, the team has officially placed 2024 NL Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale on the Injured List with a fractured rib cage, sources confirmed Saturday afternoon.
Sale, who has been absolutely dominant this season with a league-leading ERA and strikeout rate, reportedly suffered the injury during his last start. Though he initially attempted to pitch through discomfort, imaging revealed a fracture that now requires rest and recovery.
“He’s one of our horses, and anytime you lose a guy like that, it hurts,” said Braves manager Brian Snitker.
The 35-year-old lefty was expected to start the All-Star Game in July and has been a central figure in Atlanta’s push toward postseason dominance. His absence leaves a massive gap in the Braves’ rotation as the team heads into a critical stretch of the summer.
No timetable has been set for Sale’s return, but early estimates suggest he could be sidelined for at least 4–6 weeks depending on healing and rehab progress.
More updates to follow as the Braves monitor his condition.
