The Braves really only have one everyday player that’s worth tuning in for every night — Ronald Acuna Jr. However, there are a couple of pitchers worth tuning in for every time they toe the rubber, none more than Chris Sale.

The reigning Cy Young winner didn’t just struggle out of the gate; he was downright awful. Sale had a 6.17 ERA through his first five starts and didn’t make it to the sixth inning until his seventh start.

Since then, Sale has refound it. In his last eight starts, the veteran has only gone less than six innings once, boasting an ungodly 1.38 ERA across 52.1 innings while striking out 71 batters and only giving up 16 free passes. He’s recorded double-digit strikeouts four times and at least six in every single outing.

When he’s pitching like this, as he was in 2024 when he was the National League Triple Crown winner, Chris Sale is unhittable, and opposing batters feel the same way.

According to an anonymous MLB player poll by The Athletic,  Sale was the overwhelming choice for what pitcher would you least want to face at the plate in Game 7 of the World Series. Here are some quotes:

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“Nasty.”

“He was untouchable last year. When you win all three categories in the Triple Crown, it’s hard to name anyone else.”

“You want the challenge but he’s just nasty.”

“He’s nasty. I got one hit off him already, so I know I’m probably never going to get another one ever again.”

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When Chris Sale is on, there might not be a better pitcher in baseball. The only sad aspect of this is that it looks increasingly unlikely that Sale gets a chance to pitch in the postseason for the Braves, let alone a Game 7 in the World Series. He didn’t get to pitch last year, and a playoff berth this season is fading away.

Hopefully, we get to see one of the best pitchers of a generation back on the biggest stage in October sooner rather than later.

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David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire