<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/atlanta-braves/braves-news-chris-sale-2025-injury-admission');   ga('set', 'title', 'Braves’ Chris Sale drops brutally honest 2025 admission');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/CS.jpg"><figcaption>Brett Davis-Imagn Images.</figcaption></figure><h1>Braves’ Chris Sale drops brutally honest 2025 admission</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-06T07:13:24-07:00">September 6th, 7:13am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-06T07:13:24-07:00">September 6th, 7:13am</time><address><a>Josh Davis</a>Josh Davis is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints with a focus on MLB. As the founder and creator of OutOfSightSports, Josh spearheads the development and expansion of an engaging social media platform, with a core focus on Twitter/X. A passionate sports writer, Josh is dedicated to delivering compelling content that connects fans and fuels vibrant sports conversations. His vision is to craft stories so vivid that fans feel like they’re standing at the plate or on the field.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Atlanta Braves</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Atlanta Braves picked up a 4-1 win over the Seattle Mariners on Friday night, but the postgame conversation centered around a candid moment from one of their most important players. In his second start since returning from injury, Chris Sale reflected on what might have been had he stayed healthy all season—a moment that added emotional weight to an already dominant performance.</p><p>The return of the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner has been a rare bright spot in an otherwise turbulent season for the club. After missing more than two months with a fractured rib sustained on June 18 against the New York Mets, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/atlanta-braves/braves-news-chris-sale-encouraging-rehab-start-looming-return">Sale</a> has regained elite form. On Friday, he struck out nine Mariners over 6 2/3 innings, allowing just one run on four hits in one of his most dominant outings of 2025.</p><p>In an article written by MLB’s Mark Bowman, Sale admitted he couldn’t help <a href="https://www.mlb.com/braves/news/chris-sale-strikes-out-nine-in-braves-win-over-mariners" rel="noopener">but think about how</a> different the season might look if he hadn’t gotten hurt. Bowman wrote that the veteran southpaw sat at his locker after the game, reflecting on the lost time.</p><p>“Tonight, that was one of the first things I did,” Sale said. “I was just kind of sitting at my locker and wondering, ‘What if I didn’t get hurt? What if I was able to stay upright this whole year?’”</p><p>Sale’s 2025 numbers tell the story. He owns a 2.38 ERA with 132 strikeouts across 17 starts, reinforcing his status as one of the league’s most effective arms. Since rejoining the rotation, he has allowed just two earned runs over 12 2/3 innings. His current form places him in elite company among pitchers at his age.</p><p>Unfortunately, the Braves pitching struggles during his absence contributed to the team’s sharp midseason slide. At 64-77, Atlanta now trails the first place Philadelphia Phillies by 18 games in the NL East. The Braves playoff chances have faded, but Sale’s return has provided a rare bright spot.</p><p>As the 2025 season winds down, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/atlanta-braves/braves-news-chris-sale-reacts-successful-injury-return-absence">Sale remains focused on finishing strong</a> and building momentum for 2026. For a veteran ace in his 15th season, that honesty and performance continue to set him apart.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Braves’ Chris Sale drops brutally honest 2025 admission

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/atlanta-braves/braves-news-chris-sale-reacts-successful-injury-return-absence');   ga('set', 'title', 'Braves’ Chris Sale reacts to successful injury return after ‘no fun’ absence');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Braves-pitcher-Chris-Sale-against-Phillies.jpg"><figcaption>Kyle Ross-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Braves’ Chris Sale reacts to successful injury return after ‘no fun’ absence</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-08-31T09:10:47-07:00">August 31st, 9:10am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-08-31T09:12:06-07:00">August 31st, 9:12am</time><address><a>Yasmin Edañol</a>Yasmin D.G. Edañol is a PhD candidate in Chemistry at the University of the Philippines Diliman, with a background in scientific research and publishing. He brings a data-driven perspective to sports storytelling as an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints, with a focus on the NBA. Whether it's breaking down a clutch play or a stat line, he believes every great moment has a deeper layer waiting to be uncovered.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Atlanta Braves</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Atlanta Braves <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/atlanta-braves/braves-news-atlanta-receives-big-chris-sale-boost-phillies-clash">welcomed back reigning NL Cy Young winner</a> Chris Sale with high hopes, and he wasted no time reminding everyone why he’s one of baseball’s elite arms. In his first game since mid-June, Sale struck out nine over six dominant innings against the Phillies. Atlanta desperately needed this type of performance to fuel their postseason push. However, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-fans-erupt-bonkers-trea-turner-ending-braves">Braves dropped their third straight game in this Phillies series</a>.</p><p>After the game, Sale <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/chris-sale-reinstated-from-injured-list" rel="noopener">reflected on his return</a> and the road back from injury. He admitted that being sidelined wasn’t easy. “Watching baseball is not a lot of fun for me. I enjoy competing,” he said. “I enjoy being out there. To get it taken away, you miss it a little bit. So when you get back out there, you want to lock in, pick up the slack when your team needs it.” His words resonated with teammates and fans, showing how much his return meant to the clubhouse.</p><p>On the mound, Sale looked sharp and confident. He allowed just three hits and one run, a solo homer by Weston Wilson in the third, before settling in and dominating a potent Phillies lineup. Manager Brian Snitker praised his ace, calling Sale “one of the greatest teammates you’ll ever have.” Outfielder Michael Harris II added that Sale’s energy and leadership “lift the entire team.”</p><p>However, even Sale’s brilliance wasn’t enough to secure a win. The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-nick-castellanos-behavior-braves-win-fans-wondering">Braves fell 3-2 in extra innings</a> after Trea Turner delivered a walk-off two-run single in the 10th. It was a gut-punch finish to an otherwise promising night, leaving Atlanta still clawing for momentum in a tight postseason race.</p><p>Despite the loss, the takeaway was clear: Chris Sale is back and ready to lead the Braves. His return adds hope to a team fighting for position in the standings. If Sale can stay healthy and continue pitching like the reigning Cy Young winner he is, the Braves could still make noise down the stretch.</p><p>But with the Phillies in control, can the Braves regroup in time to avoid the sweep?</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Braves’ Chris Sale reacts to successful injury return after ‘no fun’ absence

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/atlanta-braves/braves-news-atlanta-receives-big-chris-sale-boost-phillies-clash');   ga('set', 'title', 'Braves receives big Chris Sale boost before Phillies clash');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Braves-pitcher-Chris-Sale.jpg"><figcaption>Brett Davis-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Braves receives big Chris Sale boost before Phillies clash</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-08-30T07:28:53-07:00">August 30th, 7:28am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-08-30T07:28:53-07:00">August 30th, 7:28am</time><address><a>Yasmin Edañol</a>Yasmin D.G. Edañol is a PhD candidate in Chemistry at the University of the Philippines Diliman, with a background in scientific research and publishing. He brings a data-driven perspective to sports storytelling as an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints, with a focus on the NBA. Whether it's breaking down a clutch play or a stat line, he believes every great moment has a deeper layer waiting to be uncovered.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Atlanta Braves</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Atlanta Braves just received a major boost ahead of their <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-nick-castellanos-braves-runner-insane-throw">ongoing clash with the Philadelphia Phillies</a>. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/atlanta-braves/braves-news-atlanta-makes-roster-moves-after-embarrassing-loss-to-phillies">After dropping two straight games in the series</a>, the Braves <a href="https://x.com/Braves/status/1961782680829264164" rel="noopener">officially reinstated</a> Chris Sale from the injured list following his successful rehabilitation assignment. To make room for the veteran left-hander, the Braves optioned right-hander Nathan Wiles to Triple-A Gwinnett after last night’s game. This move comes at a critical time as the Braves looks to regain momentum against a tough Phillies squad.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/atlanta-braves/braves-news-chris-sale-injury-update">Chris Sale’s return is a welcome sight for the Braves</a>. Before his injury, he was one of Atlanta’s most reliable starters, showing flashes of his dominant form. The veteran southpaw brings postseason experience and a proven ability to handle high-pressure situations. The Braves’ pitching staff has been tested in his absence, but Sale’s presence immediately strengthens the rotation. Fans are eager to see how Chris Sale performs as the regular season enters a critical phase.</p><p>The upcoming Braves-Phillies matchup adds even more weight to Sale’s return. Philadelphia currently at the top of the division, and every game in this series could have major playoff implications. Snitker said that, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/atlanta-braves/braves-news-chris-sale-encouraging-rehab-start-looming-return">after Sale’s latest rehab start on August 24</a>, “We’ll see how he feels tomorrow. He’s been throwing a lot and feels good. So, that shouldn’t be a problem.” This shows the team is confident in his readiness, though his progress will still be monitored closely.</p><p>Atlanta’s offense has been carrying the load recently, but having Sale back on the mound gives the team better balance. With a dependable arm returning to the rotation, the Braves are in a stronger position to challenge one of their biggest division rivals. For a team with championship aspirations, getting Sale healthy at this point of the season could not have come at a better time.</p><p>The Braves will be counting on Chris Sale to deliver right away. A strong outing against the Phillies could set the tone for the series and provide the momentum Atlanta needs for the weeks ahead.</p><p>With the Braves clawing for every inch in the wild card race, can Sale’s return spark the push they desperately need?</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Braves receives big Chris Sale boost before Phillies clash

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/atlanta-braves/braves-news-chris-sale-encouraging-rehab-start-looming-return');   ga('set', 'title', 'Braves ace Chris Sale has encouraging rehab start amid looming return');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Chris-Sale-1.jpg"></figure><h1>Braves ace Chris Sale has encouraging rehab start amid looming return</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-08-23T23:50:10-07:00">August 23rd, 11:50pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-08-23T23:50:10-07:00">August 23rd, 11:50pm</time><address><a>Brayden Haena</a>Brayden Haena is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints. He's a die-hard San Francisco Giants fan and a football fanatic. In addition to sports writing, he works for Arizona Football in the Player Personnel and Recruiting department and formerly served as the Defensive Coordinator for Heritage High School.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Atlanta Braves</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Chris Sale looks ready to rejoin Atlanta’s rotation. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/atlanta-braves/braves-news-chris-sale-final-rehab-start-returning-atlanta">The reigning National League Cy Young winner made his third rehab start</a> on Saturday night for Triple-A Gwinnett, tossing 4 2/3 innings of one-run ball against the Memphis Redbirds. Sale <a href="https://x.com/DOBrienATL/status/1959445200998469937" rel="noopener">struck out five</a> and walked none while scattering four hits, throwing 77 pitches — 51 for strikes — in what is expected to be his final minor league tune-up before returning to the Braves.</p><p>It <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/atlanta-braves/braves-news-chris-sale-injury-update">marked another step forward in Sale’s comeback from a fractured rib</a> suffered on June 18, which sidelined him for more than two months. After working through the first inning by allowing back-to-back hits and a run, the left-hander settled in, flashing the same command and composure that defined his dominant start to the 2025 season. He retired 10 of the final 12 batters he faced, showing no ill effects from the injury.</p><p>The Braves, who dropped Saturday’s matchup to the Mets 9-2 at Truist Park, may soon get a much-needed boost to their pitching staff. The plan, according to manager Brian Snitker, is for Sale to rejoin the rotation during next weekend’s critical four-game series in Philadelphia.</p><h2><b>Braves look to get a Chris Sale boost soon</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Chris-Sale-2_b22ce2.jpg"><figcaption>Dale Zanine-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>“That’s the hope,” Snitker said. “We’ll see how he feels tomorrow. He’s been throwing a lot and feels good. So, that shouldn’t be a problem.”</p><p>Sale, meanwhile, was in peak form before his injury. The veteran southpaw was 8-2 with a 2.94 ERA, holding opponents to a .194 average while striking out 125 in 98 innings. His ability to work deep into games not only gave Atlanta quality outings but also saved the bullpen for tighter contests.</p><p>The Braves will evaluate how Sale’s body responds over the next couple of days, but all signs point toward his activation this week. If his next start indeed comes in Philadelphia, it will be a high-stakes return against one of Atlanta’s fiercest division rivals.</p><p>The Phillies, currently jockeying for postseason position themselves, will test just how sharp Sale is coming off the injured list. For the Braves, however, the simple fact of having their ace back on the mound is a huge confidence lift. Sale, who has battled multiple injuries throughout his career, has shown resilience in bouncing back time and again. This latest rehab stint looks like no exception.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Braves ace Chris Sale has encouraging rehab start amid looming return

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/atlanta-braves/braves-news-chris-sale-final-rehab-start-returning-atlanta');   ga('set', 'title', 'Chris Sale to make 1 final rehab start before returning to Braves');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Chris-Sale_157cd8.jpg"><figcaption>Mike Lang / Sarasota Herald-Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Chris Sale to make 1 final rehab start before returning to Braves</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-08-18T16:10:29-07:00">August 18th, 4:10pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-08-18T16:32:05-07:00">August 18th, 4:32pm</time><address><a>Mike Gianakos</a>Mike Gianakos is the former editor-in-chief of High Times magazine, where he also spearheaded the video department and event production. He is a longtime podcaster and even longer suffering NY Jets fan.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Atlanta Braves</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale has been sidelined since mid June with a rib fracture. Despite the Braves recent surge, winning eight of the last nine games, Atlanta is playing out a lost season. But after two months on the shelf, the 36-year-old starter is working toward a comeback. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/atlanta-braves/braves-news-chris-sale-injury-update">Sale began a rehab assignment</a> last week with an eye on <a href="https://x.com/DOBrienATL/status/1957540665207685473" rel="noopener">rejoining the rotation</a> later this moth.</p><p>Sale is set to make his third and final rehab start in Triple-A. And assuming he doesn’t suffer a setback, he’ll be activated from the IL by Atlanta, per The Athletic’s David O’Brien.</p><p>The Braves’ veteran suffered a fractured rib while displaying his Gold Glove bona fides in an incredible start against the Mets on June 18. Sale was attempting to finish off a complete-game shutout when he dove for a grounder, landing on his chest. Three days later he <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/atlanta-braves/braves-news-chris-sale-injured-list-worrisome-rib-cage-injury">landed on the injured list</a>.</p><h2><b>Chris Sale eager to return to Braves rotation</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Chris-Sale-2_f8f9ec.jpg"><figcaption>Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>With the Braves 12 games under .500 there’s little reason for the 15th-year veteran to rush back to the mound. But <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/atlanta-braves/braves-news-chris-sale-issues-blunt-reason-for-return-brutal-2025-season">Sale is determined to return</a> despite the lost season.</p><p>Part of the pitcher’s desire to rejoin the rotation stems from his recent reputation as injury-prone. Sale threw at least 158 innings and made at least 26 starts in seven straight seasons from 2012-2018. He finished top six in Cy Young voting in each of those years and made seven straight All-Star appearances.</p><p>But then the injuries came. Sale ended the 2019 season on the IL with elbow inflammation. He then missed the entirety of 2020 after undergoing Tommy John surgery and was limited to nine regular season starts in 2021 while rehabbing.</p><p>Sale began the 2022 campaign on the injured list with a right rib fracture. And in just his second start, he landed on the IL with a broken finger. His season  ended after just 5 2/3 innings. Following additional time on the IL in 2023 the Red Sox traded Sale to the Braves over the offseason. Then, suddenly everything came together for the lefty ace in his first year with Atlanta.</p><p>The nine-time All-Star bounced back with the Braves in 2024. He <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/atlanta-braves/braves-news-chris-sale-wins-nl-cy-young-award-resurgent-season">won the Cy Young Award</a>, the pitching Triple Crown, a Gold Glove and Comeback Player of the Year with the remarkable effort.</p><p>While Sale got off to a strong start in his follow up to last year’s Cy Young, injuries have once again been an issue. The Braves’ star has been limited to 15 starts and just 89 1/3 innings pitched in 2025. So, whatever the record, Sale is eager to get back on the mound and finish the season healthy.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

2025 SEASON STATS
IP	ERA	K	WHIP	WINS
58	2.79	20	0.88	1

2025 SEASON STATS
IP	ERA	K	WHIP	WINS
58	2.79	20	0.88	1

Chris Sale

Latest Chris Sale News

Braves’ Chris Sale drops brutally honest 2025 admission

Braves’ Chris Sale reacts to successful injury return after ‘no fun’ absence

Braves receives big Chris Sale boost before Phillies clash

Braves ace Chris Sale has encouraging rehab start amid looming return

Chris Sale to make 1 final rehab start before returning to Braves

Chris
Sale