Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale getting the All-Star nod this weekend was a bittersweet reminder of what a dominating season the lefty was having. It was easy to make the argument that the starter should be the one getting the ball to start the first inning of the 2025 MLB All-Star Game. While the numbers themselves made a strong argument, the fact that the game was in Atlanta put the veteran's case over the top. It is the same reasoning behind why Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts put Atlanta manager Brian Snitker on his staff. This is Atlanta's moment and the league doesn't mind leaning into this in what is a meaningless game.
Getting fans to be engaged in a game that means nothing statistically or historically requires leaning into the city and a bit of pageantry. All of this would have set the stage perfectly for Sale to make the start. However, the lefty not only won't be on the mound for the game but is expected to miss the rest of this month. After suffering a fractured rib cage diving for a ball in the game's final frame, Sale seemingly put the rest of the season to bed.
The Braves Have Spiraled Since Losing Chris Sale
Atlanta's recent series loss to the Baltimore Orioles and fall through the National League serves as a reminder of what the team has lost. It isn't only Sale the Braves are missing with Spencer Schwellenbach, AJ Smith-Shawver, and Reynaldo Lopez all out as well. For the Braves, it has become a war of attrition, one the team isn't winning.
For Sale, it is at least a nice accolade even if the pitcher is going to be on the sidelines for the game. It serves as a nice reminder of what he did accomplish this season and how dominating the starter has been in his two-season stint with the Braves. It will be interesting to see how the National League opts to manage to select a starter with a handful of qualified options on the table after Sale's frustrating exit from the conversation.