The Braves' ace pitcher, Chris Sale, is having a remarkable season, and it's making fans feel like it's 2018 all over again. With a 2.01 ERA, he's ranked fourth in the Majors and third in the NL, and he's been consistently dominant, allowing two earned runs or fewer in 10 of his first 11 starts. This is especially impressive considering his age and the fact that he's had his fair share of injuries in the past. Sale's performance is a testament to his resilience and skill, and it's making him a fan favorite once again.
What makes Sale's success even more remarkable is his ability to maintain his velocity as he ages. His four-seamer averaged a blistering 97 mph in his last start, and it's not just a one-off. This pitch has been consistently fast since the start of 2019, with the highest average velo recorded in any game since then. Sale's ability to keep his fastball at such high speeds is a key factor in his success, and it's something that many pitchers struggle to maintain as they get older.
But it's not just about the numbers. Sale's performance has also been a source of confidence for the Braves' manager, Walt Weiss. "It's always a good day when Sale is on the mound for us," Weiss said. "We always feel good." This sentiment reflects the team's trust in Sale and the impact he has on their success. With his strong starts, Sale is on track to join an elite group of pitchers who have produced a sub 2.00 ERA through the first 12 starts of a season at age 37 or older since 2000.
The Braves made a bold move by acquiring Sale from the Red Sox before the 2024 season, taking a chance on an injury-prone pitcher. However, it seems to have paid off. Sale has not only won the 2024 NL Cy Young Award but has also continued to improve with age. This is a refreshing sight for fans, who are witnessing a pitcher who seems to be getting better, not worse, as the years go by.
In my opinion, Sale's success is a fascinating development in the world of baseball. It challenges the notion that pitchers decline with age and highlights the importance of resilience and proper management of injuries. It's a reminder that with the right support and a bit of luck, even injury-prone pitchers can have a second act, and it's making for some exciting baseball.
As Sale continues to dominate the mound, fans can't help but wonder what the future holds. Will he continue to pitch like this into his 40s? Can he join the ranks of the all-time greats? These questions are what make baseball so captivating, and Sale's performance is a significant part of the narrative. It's a story of perseverance, and it's one that many fans are eager to see unfold.
