Atlanta Braves get “shot in the arm” for the final month of the season originally appeared on The Sporting News

The Atlanta Braves finally have their ace back. Left-hander Chris Sale was activated from the 60-day injured list on Saturday and will take the mound against the Philadelphia Phillies in his first start since June.

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Atlanta gets its ace back against Phillies

Sale, the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, had been sidelined for more than two months after fracturing his rib while diving to make a play on a ground ball. He worked through three rehab starts in the minors, most recently throwing 4 2/3 innings for Triple-A last week, before being cleared to rejoin the rotation.

The 36-year-old was in the middle of another strong season before the injury. Through 15 starts, he had a 5-4 record with a 2.52 ERA, showing the same command and strikeout ability that earned him the pitching Triple Crown in 2024. That year, his first with Atlanta, he led the league in wins (18), strikeouts (225), and ERA (2.38).

His absence was felt in a big way. Atlanta has been hit hard by injuries all season, with every member of its Opening Day rotation spending time on the IL. The Braves have stumbled to a 61-74 record, putting them on track to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

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Braves looking ahead at 2026

Sale’s return doesn’t change the uphill climb in the standings, but it does provide a boost as the team looks to finish strong. All eyes will be on how sharp the veteran lefty looks against a Phillies lineup fighting for playoff position.