Chris Sale shook off an illness to deliver a dominant performance for the Atlanta Braves, pitching six innings in their 5-1 victory over the Athletics. Sale allowed only one baserunner during his time on the mound.
Sale’s Performance Despite Feeling Unwell
Despite feeling under the weather, Chris Sale didn’t mention his illness. Braves manager Walt Weiss, however, revealed the extent of Sale’s condition. “He was sick as a dog,” Weiss said, adding that there were doubts about whether Sale would even be able to start. Weiss stated he was initially hoping for three, perhaps four innings from Sale.
Instead, Sale delivered six dominant innings. The only blemish on his outing was a home run to Shea Langeliers in the fourth inning.
Sale acknowledged that he had to adjust his approach due to not having his best stuff. “You’re not going to have your best stuff every time,” Sale said. “I really try to raise my focus on that day. Reaching for more stuff when it’s not there is not really the way. I knew I had to find a way to make it a game.”
Manager’s Praise and Hall of Fame Comparisons
Walt Weiss praised Sale’s effort, particularly considering his condition. “He couldn’t keep anything down. He was a mess,” Weiss said. “It was touch and go before the game. But true to form, he takes the ball and goes out there and gives us six innings with one hit. Hall of Famers, they just operate differently. That’s what he is. It was an unbelievable performance considering the circumstances.”
Sale, a nine-time All-Star, also won the National League Cy Young in his first season with the Braves in 2024. He also moved past Hall of Famers Bob Feller and Warren Spahn for the 30th spot on the career strikeout list after his Opening Day performance against the Kansas City Royals.
Sale is now just 19 strikeouts away from Tom Glavine, another Hall of Famer.
Braves’ Season Outlook
The Braves appreciate the importance of Sale to their aspirations of returning to the playoffs. Their run of seven straight postseason appearances ended with an injury-filled 2025 season.
Spring training also presented challenges, with Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep ruled out for extended periods, followed by Spencer Strider joining them on the injured list late in camp.
The Braves are off to a better start this season compared to last year, when they lost their first seven games. They currently have a 4-2 record after two series at home and now head to Arizona for their first road trip.
“It’s nice, but we’re not going to hang our hat on it yet. We’re one week in,” Sale said. “But getting off on the right foot is huge. The energy in the clubhouse i