Earlier than the season began, it appeared Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale had reached the tip of the highway. Nevertheless, he proved he nonetheless has loads left within the tank in 2024.
On Wednesday, Sale accomplished his phenomenal comeback, profitable the Nationwide League Cy Younger Award. He defeated Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies, incomes 26 of 30 first-place votes.
In his first 13 seasons with the Chicago White Sox and Boston Crimson Sox, the left-hander grew to become one of many prime pitchers in baseball, making seven All-Star Video games and profitable a World Sequence with Boston in 2018. However accidents practically derailed his profession.
From 2020-23, Sale underwent Tommy John surgical procedure, fractured his rib and broke his left pinkie finger and wrist. The problems restricted him to 31 begins throughout this timeframe.
In December 2023, the Crimson Sox dealt Sale to the Braves for infield prospect Vaughn Grissom. He responded with among the best seasons of his profession.
In 29 begins, Sale had an 18-3 report, a 2.38 ERA, a 1.013 WHIP and 225 strikeouts in 177.2 innings pitched. He and Detroit Tigers star Tarik Skubal grew to become the primary main leaguers to seize the pitching triple crown in a 162-game season since Clayton Kershaw and Justin Verlander in 2011.
Sale’s resurgence was pivotal for the Braves after they misplaced beginning pitcher Spencer Strider to Tommy John surgical procedure in April and helped them clinch a playoff spot on the season’s closing day.
Citing the Elias Sports activities Bureau, MLB.com’s Sarah Langs shared that Sale, 35, is the fifth-oldest first-time Cy Younger winner for the reason that award’s inception in 1956.
“I am glad it labored out this fashion as a result of I really feel like I can admire this second extra now,” Sale stated of incomes the award for the primary time, per MLB Community. “I am unable to stress sufficient about all people that helped me get right here. I am very grateful for them.”
When Sale signed a two-year, $38M extension in January, the Braves indicated they assume he nonetheless has extra in retailer. Maybe the longer term Corridor of Famer does.
