Braves Set to Capitalize on Chris Sale’s Injury in Stunning Twist!

With the 2025 Braves, it always seems like just when things are going right, something else goes wrong.

Atlanta just swept the Mets in five straight games—a run that should feel like a turning point. But any excitement is quickly dampened by the news that Chris Sale will miss at least a month due to a fractured rib cage. Dropping a series to the Marlins stings, but it doesn’t compare to losing your ace and reigning Cy Young winner for an extended stretch.

Sale heads to the IL carrying a 2.52 ERA and 1.049 WHIP over 15 starts, but those stats don’t fully capture how dominant he’s been. After a shaky start to the season where he posted a 6.63 ERA through five outings, Sale flipped the switch—becoming arguably the best pitcher in baseball across his next 11 starts, giving up just 11 earned runs in 70.1 innings (a 1.41 ERA).

Replacing that kind of production isn’t realistic, and it’s tough to find positives in the situation—but if there is one, it’s the unexpected debut of Didier Fuentes. The 20-year-old made his MLB debut Friday against the Marlins, allowing four runs (three on a homer) over five innings, striking out three.

While the box score won’t blow anyone away, Fuentes’ raw stuff stood out. His fastball was electric, his control steady, and he showed maturity in adjusting after the early mistake that led to a three-run shot.

Sale will be back before season’s end—that much is certain. And while no one would willingly swap him out for a rookie, this situation might open the door for the Braves to discover a new rotation piece in Fuentes. If all goes well, when Sale returns, Atlanta’s rotation could look something like: Sale, Schwellenbach, Strider, Holmes, and Fuentes—rather than relying again on Bryce Elder.

It’s impossible to fully replace Chris Sale. But in the meantime, this may be a hidden opportunity instead of just another setback.