The Braves have endured more significant injuries over the past two seasons than any other team, and that unfortunate pattern continued last week when it was announced that Chris Sale had suffered a fractured rib cage. He’s been placed on the 15-day injured list, and while there’s no official timetable for his return, Mark Bowman reported Monday that Sale is still traveling with the team to offer leadership and support to the club’s younger pitchers as Atlanta works to stabilize its season.
Broken ribs typically sideline athletes for one to two months, depending on severity, so a return sometime in August seems likely. Sale will almost certainly require a rehab stint before rejoining the major league roster.
Former Brave and one-time Sale teammate in Chicago, A.J. Pierzynski, shared a personal update from Sale, who told him he has two minor rib fractures and expects to be okay.
While “small” fractures are certainly more encouraging than more serious breaks, it’s still too early to predict a precise return date for the veteran left-hander.
In the meantime, 20-year-old Didier Fuentes will receive an extended look after making his major league debut last Friday. The Braves may also turn to a few additional new arms as they try to fill the gap left by Sale’s absence. Monday’s win over the Mets was a much-needed morale boost, but with a long road ahead and their ace now sidelined, Atlanta faces a steep uphill battle.
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