Chris Sale's struggles continue as he allowed four runs in just over four innings during the Atlanta Braves' recent loss to the Tampa Bay Rays, solidifying the team's disappointing start to the season at 4-11. This outing marked his third-worst four-game stretch of his career based on Game Scores, averaging 43. Despite Sale's drop in velocity this season, his pitch quality metrics suggest that he might be in better shape than his results indicate.

Sale's pitching arsenal still appears strong, with the StuffPro metrics showing that three of his four pitches have graded better this year compared to last. His control has also been impressive, achieving a strike percentage above 68%. The primary issue seems to be the quality of contact against him, which has led to more runs than warranted by his underlying metrics. While he's been unlucky with balls in play, there's optimism that Sale will return to form as the season progresses.

Tuesday's MLB slate showcases all 30 teams, with a focus on intriguing matchups and aces on the mound. Key pitchers include Zack Wheeler, Dylan Cease, and Chris Sale, but each faces challenges, making Freddy Peralta and Cole Ragans appealing options for DFS players. Hitter havens such as Coors Field are pivotal for fantasy lineups, especially with the Brewers and Rays being strong stacking options.

Among hitters, Jackson Chourio is on a hot streak for the Brewers, while Gunnar Henderson looks to regain form against Merrill Kelly. Pavin Smith remains a viable value pick, and the Reds offer budget-friendly options in Gavin Lux and Santiago Espinal. Stacking the Cubs against Patrick Corbin is also highly recommended due to Corbin's struggles from last season.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have started their 2025 season with an impressive 7-0 record, tying the legendary 1933 New York Yankees for the best start by a reigning champion. Their journey has already taken them across two continents, where they faced formidable pitchers, including Tarik Skubal and Chris Sale.

Despite dealing with injuries and the absence of stars like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, the Dodgers have showcased resilience with strong pitching and timely hitting, ranking fourth in the league with a 2.25 ERA. Dustin May made a triumphant return after 22 months, delivering a solid performance against the Atlanta Braves, while Betts provided a critical home run to secure the victory against Sale. With a star-studded roster and a drive for excellence, the Dodgers are hungry for more.

The Atlanta Braves are looking to break a winless streak as they turn to ace Chris Sale to face the unbeaten Los Angeles Dodgers. The matchup features one of the sharpest arsenals in MLB, but tonight's odds see Sale as a plus money underdog. Mookie Betts is expected to make an impact, aiming to score for the fourth consecutive game after recovering from a stomach virus. With a strong offensive lineup behind him, including Freddie Freeman and Teoscar Hernandez, Betts has demonstrated an impressive 0.305/.404/.576 slash line against left-handed pitchers this season. Despite not being in the lineup, the Dodgers have abundant RBI opportunities for Betts, who holds a solid history against Sale.

Betts is favored to score in this matchup with a prop bet at +110 for over 0.5 runs. Chris Sale's performance will be closely watched as he looks to regain form after allowing three runs in his season debut. The Braves' bullpen is well-rested, leading to speculation that Sale may not be pushed to pitch deep into the game if the situation becomes challenging. This game presents an interesting opportunity for fantasy enthusiasts to strategize based on player matchups and performance trends.

As Atlanta prepares for the 2025 MLB season, Manager Brian Snitker has expressed a desire to take a fully healthy roster into the playoffs. The team faced significant injuries last year, missing key players like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Chris Sale during their postseason run. Despite these challenges, they still managed to win 89 games.

This offseason, Atlanta was conservative in its spending, only signing Jurickson Profar to a major deal while losing key pitchers Max Fried and Charlie Morton. However, the return of injured stars, particularly Acuña and Sale, is anticipated to strengthen their chances in the competitive NL East. The Braves are optimistic, believing their talent is enough to compete at the highest level.