Chris Sale Is Showing Positive Signs For The Atlanta Braves After Frustrating Injuries
Both athletes became popular over the weekend, though for different reasons. With a “slight” left groin strain that sidelined him on Saturday, Grissom is unlikely to make a timely season debut according to manager Alex Cora, despite the issue not being believed to be significant.
One day later, in a preseason game between the two teams predicted to finish first and second in the NL East, Sale produced his second strong start as an employee of his new team by pitching 2 22/3 scoreless innings against the Phillies.
Sale told reporters in North Port, Florida on Sunday, “I want to be what I’m supposed to be for this team and to make all that work in the offseason worthwhile.” “Work still has to be done. There are still a few issues to resolve. However, I enjoy our current position and our course.
The deal reflects the different perspectives held by the two teams.
With just Rafael Devers remaining from the 2018 title team, Sale is among the last players from that squad to depart Boston. As he begins the second year of a 10-year contract, the third baseman hopes his front office does more to help a team coming off back-to-back 78-win seasons.
The Braves felt comfortable enough in moving Grissom because they saw him as a potential young addition to the many prospects the Red Sox are highlighting.
The Braves are also hoping that by acquiring Sale, he will be the pitcher who helps them overcome adversity and win a Division Series.
After defeating the Mets in the Division final weekend, Atlanta, the defending World Series champion, pitched to a 5.82 ERA against the Phillies in 2022. In the Division Series versus the Phillies, it was 4.50 last year.
For the Braves, who are hoping he has anything left in the last year of a $160 million six-year deal he signed with the Red Sox in March 2019, Sale is essentially a steal. Following the trade’s completion, the AP disclosed that the Braves had to pay around $500,000. The Red Sox will pay the Braves $8.5 million in two installments on April 1 and July 1.
The Braves also modified Sale’s contract for two years at $38 million, with a 2026 club option, immediately after receiving financial assistance from the Red Sox. This was done in part because of Sale’s encouraging 3.92 ERA in his final nine starts of the previous season.
After Sale struck out Manny Machado on the final pitch of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium, he signed his first contract with the Red Sox. Current Phillies general manager Dave Dombrowski, who would be dismissed late in September 2019, approved of the transaction. After the 2016 season, Dombrowski traded three prospects for Sale, who went on to make 56 starts under the terms of the new contract.
He did not play in the entire 2020 season at all, and he did not play again until August of 2021. Due to a fractured rib, he did not begin the season until July. On July 17, at Yankee Stadium, he broke his finger on a line drive by Aaron Hicks. As a result, he only made two starts in 2022.
Nevertheless, the outcomes in the last two months were positive enough for the Braves to sign Sale and bring him on board with up-and-coming players Spencer Strider and Max Fried. And similar to Luis Severino and the Mets, the early returns are promising.
Sale told reporters, “Just don’t (stink) and they’ll like it.” “I’ve seen it firsthand on the other side.”
Similar to Severino’s previous Yankees seasons, there is also the frustration of being sidelined by a never-ending list of injuries.