The Atlanta Braves have faced yet another blow to their pitching lineup, this time affecting the reigning National League Cy Young winner, Chris Sale. The Braves announced on Saturday that Sale has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a fracture in his left rib cage, retroactive to June 19. In response, left-hander Austin Cox has been recalled to replace him.

Sale incurred the injury while making a play during his start against the New York Mets.

“CHRIS SALE GOES ALL OUT! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/NGEAjZLPEO” — MLB (@MLB) June 19, 2025

At this stage, the duration of Sale’s absence remains unclear but it’s expected to be significant as he recently achieved a 2.52 ERA across 15 starts with over 30% strikeouts, an elite mark for any starting pitcher.

The Braves can hardly afford to lose their pivotal player. In other news within the team, AJ Smith-Shawver will miss the entire 2025 season after Tommy John surgery, and Reynaldo López continues his recovery from shoulder surgery. Co-ace Spencer Strider is still working his way back after an internal brace procedure and was also sidelined for a month due to a hamstring issue.

With a current record of 34-40, the Braves find themselves third in the NL East, trailing the Phillies by 11 games and sitting six games behind the final NL wild-card spot. The loss of a key player like Sale will undoubtedly complicate their current situation.