2024 NL Cy Young Favorite, Chris Sale, Out For Braves With Rib Fracture

David

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Post on Jun 23, 2025

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2024 NL Cy Young Favorite Chris Sale Sidelined: Rib Fracture Ends Braves Hopes

Atlanta, GA – October 26, 2023 – The Atlanta Braves' postseason hopes suffered a significant blow today with the announcement that newly acquired starting pitcher Chris Sale will miss the remainder of the season, including the playoffs, due to a rib fracture. The injury, considered a serious setback for both Sale and the Braves, casts a long shadow over their World Series aspirations and throws the 2024 NL Cy Young race into disarray. Sale, widely considered a frontrunner for the award heading into the trade deadline, was expected to be a key component in Atlanta's pitching rotation.

The news broke this afternoon following an MRI revealing a non-displaced fracture in Sale's rib cage. The injury occurred during his last start, though the extent of the damage wasn't immediately apparent. While the team hasn't released specifics on the timeline for his recovery, sources close to the organization indicate that a full recovery could take several months, ruling him out of any significant baseball activity until well into the 2024 season.

<h3>A Crushing Blow for the Braves' Postseason Run</h3>

The Braves, currently leading the NL East, were banking on Sale's veteran experience and dominant pitching to solidify their rotation and bolster their chances in the postseason. His acquisition at the trade deadline was hailed as a masterstroke by General Manager Alex Anthopoulos, signaling a clear intent to win the World Series. Now, that plan faces a significant obstacle. The team will have to rely heavily on their remaining starters, putting added pressure on pitchers like Spencer Strider and Max Fried to carry the load. The depth of the Braves' pitching staff will be tested as they navigate the intense pressure of the playoffs without their newly acquired ace.

<h3>Impact on the 2024 NL Cy Young Race</h3>

Sale's injury drastically alters the landscape of the 2024 NL Cy Young Award race. Before the injury, he was considered a strong contender, based on his stellar performance with the Boston Red Sox before the trade and early success with Atlanta. His absence opens the door for other pitchers to step up and claim the coveted award. Players like Strider, Fried, and potentially other emerging talents across the National League now have a clearer path to the top. The race, previously tipped heavily in Sale's favor, is now wide open, promising an exciting and unpredictable competition next season.

<h3>Looking Ahead: Braves' Next Steps</h3>

The Braves now face the challenge of adapting their strategy for the playoffs. They'll need to rely on their bullpen more heavily and strategize carefully to compensate for Sale's absence. The team's front office will likely explore options to bolster their pitching depth before the postseason begins, potentially through trades or call-ups from the minor leagues. This unforeseen setback highlights the unpredictable nature of baseball and the importance of depth in a long and challenging season. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how the Braves respond to this unexpected challenge and whether they can still achieve their ultimate goal: a World Series victory.

Keywords: Chris Sale, Atlanta Braves, NL Cy Young, rib fracture, injury, MLB, postseason, playoffs, baseball, World Series, Spencer Strider, Max Fried, Alex Anthopoulos, 2024 MLB season, baseball news, sports news

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