Braves believe Chris Sale patience could change series vs Dodgers
USA Today • • sports
Key Points:
- Atlanta ace Chris Sale volunteered to pitch on short rest in Game 1 or Game 2 of the NLDS against the Dodgers but the Braves opted to use him in Game 3 on full rest to maximize his effectiveness.
- Braves management prioritized having a fully rested Sale, who has a 2.13 ERA with six days' rest, rather than risking diminished performance by pitching him twice on short rest.
- Sale, a former Cy Young winner, will start Game 3 against Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, with the Braves feeling this is the best-case scenario after a bullpen win in Game 2.
- The Braves value Sale's postseason experience and willingness to pitch in any role, recalling his relief appearances in Boston's 2018 World Series run, emphasizing their all-hands-on-deck mentality.
- With a rested Sale, solid bullpen, and strong performances from recent acquisition Tyler Mahle, Atlanta believes they have a real chance to advance and potentially shock the baseball world.
