Among a long list of recent Atlanta Braves frustrations has been a lack of offensive support for Chris Sale. The southpaw is in the middle of another stellar season but had a rough June when it comes to picking up wins due to a complete lack of support. Atlanta's offense has turned up the pressure, requiring that Sale be perfect not to pick up a loss. This isn't an overstatement, but reality for a left-hander who has only been given two runs over his last three outings.
For Sale: this is hurting the veteran not only when it comes to picking up wins, but also by turning up the level of pressure in a way that has pushed him out of notable award races. While overall team record and holding onto the National League East lead are obviously far more important, there is no denying the current level of frustration for a player who simply deserves better.
Fans have seen just how gritty Sale is, whether it is playing through injury or finding ways to grit out a start without his best stuff; the starter has garnered a level of respect usually reserved for Atlanta legends or career Braves. This speaks to the gamer Sale has been and why the levels of frustration should be high for a veteran whose starts are likely limited, as he is far closer to the end of his career than the middle.
Braves Letting Chris Sale Down with Frustrating Offensive Performance
With that said, there is still reason to hope that the reality of Atlanta's roster is closer to the team we watched the first two months of the season and not the awful month of June. The Braves are simply far too talented to continue to struggle at their current level. Much of the team's offensive issues can be pointed to an injury to Ronald Acuna Jr. as well as ill-timed struggles from Austin Riley and Drake Baldwin.
This isn't to excuse what Atlanta's offense has put Sale through, but looking at the bigger picture and understands that the last month is likely an outlier. One that should correct course as the team continues to get healthier and, presumably, sees its stars get back on track.
Still, when looking at Sale's complete numbers for the 2026 season, it is important to remember the uphill battle the veteran has been handed over the last month. One that has greatly limited the upside of a fan-favorite.
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