Chris Sale showcased his prowess in the opening of spring training with the Atlanta Braves, delivering two perfect innings against the Minnesota Twins. Although the Braves lost 3-1, Sale retired all six batters he faced, demonstrating his control by throwing 21 pitches with 14 strikes. This performance comes as he enters his second season with the Braves, following a remarkable previous year where he claimed the Cy Young Award, going 18-3 with a 2.38 ERA and leading the league with 225 strikeouts.
As a recent recipient of the pitching Triple Crown in the National League, Sale's health is pivotal for the Braves moving forward. He made 29 starts last season, his highest since 2017, indicating a return to form after injury struggles. Fans and fantasy owners alike will be watching closely as he strives to replicate or improve upon his dominant 2022 performance.