The Braves' ace pitcher, Chris Sale, is having a remarkable season, and it's making fans feel like it's 2018 all over again. Sale, who turned 37 in May, is on a roll, with a 2.01 ERA and an impressive 10 out of 11 starts with two or fewer earned runs. This is a testament to his resilience and the team's strategy of giving him extra rest between starts.
What makes Sale's performance even more impressive is the fact that he's competing against much younger pitchers. He's the only 37-year-old pitcher since 2000 to achieve a sub-2.00 ERA through the first 12 starts of a season, joining the elite company of Roger Clemens, Justin Verlander, Tim Hudson, and Kenny Rogers. This achievement is a testament to his longevity and the wisdom of the Braves' front office.
The Braves' decision to acquire Sale from the Red Sox before the 2024 season was a risky move, given his injury history. However, he has not only won the 2024 NL Cy Young Award but has also shown that he can get stronger with age. His four-seamer averaged a blistering 97 mph in a recent start, the highest average since 2019. This pitch, along with his heater, has been a key to his success.
The extra rest between starts seems to be a significant factor in Sale's success. It allows him to maintain his high performance and stay healthy, which is crucial for a pitcher of his age. This strategy, combined with Sale's natural talent, has made him a force to be reckoned with in the National League.
As Sale continues to dominate the mound, fans are reminded of the golden era of 2018, when Sale was also having a stellar season. The Braves' decision to give him the extra rest seems to have paid off, and it's a strategy that other teams might want to consider. Sale's performance is a testament to the idea that sometimes, giving a pitcher a break can be the best way to keep them fresh and effective.
In my opinion, Sale's success is a fascinating case study in the art of pitching. It challenges the notion that pitchers peak in their 20s and decline rapidly in their 30s. Sale's ability to maintain his performance at an advanced age is a testament to his dedication and the science of pitching. It's a reminder that with the right approach, pitchers can extend their careers and remain dominant, even as they get older.
The Braves' strategy of giving Sale extra rest is a smart move that has paid dividends. It's a strategy that other teams might want to consider, especially for their aging pitchers. Sale's success is not just a personal triumph but also a victory for the Braves organization and a reminder that sometimes, the best way to keep a pitcher fresh is to give them a break.
