When the Atlanta Braves traded for starting pitcher Chris Sale, they were risking part of their future.
It was always a worthwhile risk, though: Vaughn Grissom, who was traded away, is an infielder, and there are multiple talented, even All-Star-caliber infielders in Atlanta.
There aren’t many pitchers like Sale, and even though his (recent) injury history is long, it was a gamble worth making.
And boy, has it worked out for the Braves.
He has pitched 67.2 innings so far in 2024, with a 3.06 ERA and 82 strikeouts.
Sale has been everything the Braves have hoped for and more.
In fact, he just won a major individual recognition in the National League: Pitcher of the Month.
Chris Sale is your NL Pitcher of the Month 🔥#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/exHmGaGcAj
He hasn’t dominated for one or two starts, no: it has been over a month of excellent performances and the league has noticed it.
It’s a very good reminder of how good Sale can be when fully healthy.
He has had Tommy John surgery, shoulder inflammation, a fractured wrist, and a stress fracture in his right rib cage in the last three or four years, but he is healthy now and that’s all that matters.
He is looking as good as ever, and was phenomenal in May.
During his most dominant seasons, his calling card was his pinpoint command and his ability to rack up the Ks.
That’s exactly the version he showed in May, and the Braves are hoping it can continue through June.