The Braves placed Chris Sale on the 15-day injured list due to a fractured left ribcage. They fully anticipate the 36-year-old to pitch again this season but will not have a timeline, giving him ample time to heal. Now, the question becomes, will he pitch for the Braves when he returns?
The Los Angeles Dodgers are monitoring Atlanta’s stance on Sale as the trade deadline nears. The Dodgers are title contenders as the defending World Series champions, but their pitching has been subpar this season due to numerous injuries. They have their eyes on the reigning Cy Young winner, Sale, and will be aggressive if the opportunity arises.
Injuries Have Left the Dodgers in a Position to Buy Before the Deadline
Injuries are piling up in Los Angeles, especially to their pitching staff. Starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow (shoulder) has not pitched since April and is on the 60-day IL. He is rehabbing with the Triple-A team and is eligible to be activated on June 27 if all goes well.
Starting pitcher Blake Snell (shoulder) is also on the 60-day IL, and his return looks more uncertain. His last game was at the beginning of April, but he had a snag in his recovery. He is only throwing bullpen sessions as it stands and cannot advance further in his rehabilitation until he faces hitters.
Additionally, starting pitcher Roki Sasaki (shoulder) has restarted his throwing progression, and the Dodgers will be cautious with the 23-year-old. They were originally planning on finishing the season without Sasaki, but it may be in the cards again if his rehabilitation goes as planned.
Thus, Sale would certainly help the Dodgers’ rotation. The team has had as many as 15 pitchers on the injured list this season, and their pitching staff has taken a beating. They have allowed a 4.26 ERA as a team this season, which ranks 21st in the league. Sale may be in the twilight of his career, but he is still one of the best pitchers in the league as the reigning Cy Young winner.
The Dodgers were named a potential landing spot for Chris Sale in what would be a league-altering blockbuster trade😳⬇️
Would you want to see LA pull the trigger on a Sale trade if Atlanta makes him available? Why or why not?https://t.co/C8wCeJWyog
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) June 24, 2025
Sale is easily the best available pitcher if the Braves are open to trading him, and many teams will be vying for him. The Braves are 9.5 games back in the NL East and six games back in the Wild Card hunt. They could be sellers by the time the trade deadline rolls around, and the Dodgers are always aggressive, especially with the team they have now.
It is unlikely that Sale is traded, but it is not out of the question if the Dodgers offer the Braves a price they cannot refuse. Sale is 5-4 in his second season with Atlanta and has a 2.5 WAR. He has a 2.52 ERA and 1.16 WHIP, his highest since 2021. His stats may be down after his dominant season in 2024, but he still proves himself every fifth day. He is one of the best starters in baseball and ranks sixth in the league with 114 strikeouts.
The Dodgers have the money and prospects to get the deal done, but the Braves must reciprocate and open the bidding for their ace before the deadline. Pitchers are needed in Los Angeles, and Sale could be the answer as he attempts to add another World Series to his illustrious career.