A familiar theme for the Atlanta Braves in the second half of the season is going to be injury updates. Currently, Austin Riley, Spencer Schwellenbach, Reynaldo Lopez, and Chris Sale are all on the injured list. This leaves out AJ Smith-Shawver, who had to undergo surgery on his right elbow and is done for the year.
With the 2025 season already essentially over, all fans can hope for is to end the season healthy and showing a bit of promise that next year can be different. With this in mind, it is exciting to hear ace Chris Sale is taking steps toward his return.
While the starter cannot return before August 19th, he took an important step this past week, playing catch. It marks the first reported activity for the veteran lefty since fracturing his rib cage weeks ago. Sale made an incredible diving play in the game's final frame that caused the fracture. The injury isn't serious but simply needs time to heal, time the Braves didn't have with the season on the brink prior to the injury. Now, there is little urgency for the starter to return with the current standings.
Braves Starter Chris Sale Take Important Step Towards Return
Chris Sale played catch yesterday. He won’t be eligible to be activated until after Aug. 19. But he’s at least progressing toward his return to the Braves rotation
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) July 16, 2025
It is fair to wonder if the Braves will have Sale return right away or attempt to give the veteran extra rest. In a meaningless season, it is easy to argue the team should opt to save as many bullets as possible for next season. Giving the lefty additional rest in the final months of the season might be the right decision, even if it isn't going to be a popular one.
This is especially the case when it comes to Sale, who is a fiery competitor willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win. It is the exact reason we are in the current situation, with the pitcher unable to let an out go by attempting to make a diving play. While this did result in an out, it wasn't worthwhile, causing Sale's injury and in many ways ending Atlanta's season.
Still, it is exciting that the veteran is already making progress towards his return as the team works to find answers in a shaky rotation. Whenever Sale is able to make his return will be a huge upgrade as the team continues to desperately piece together innings.