The Atlanta Braves confirmed that ace left-hander Chris Sale will not start Game 2 of the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday. This decision follows Sale's four-out, 21-pitch performance in Game 3 of the Wild Card Series on Thursday. Manager Walt Weiss indicated that Sale's availability for Game 3 on Tuesday is uncertain, stating, "A lot of it's going to depend on how Chris feels. Certainly don't want to jeopardize him and his health."

In Sale's absence, lefty Ray Kerr will take the mound as an opener for Game 2, following his impressive 3 ⅓-inning outing against the Philadelphia Phillies. Righty Grant Holmes is expected to serve as the bulk reliever after throwing two innings on Thursday. This marks the Braves' third consecutive bullpen game, a strategy necessitated by their compromised rotation.

Sale, who won the 2024 Cy Young award, typically receives extra rest between starts. He has only started on normal rest twice this season and pitched only three times in the last 28 games due to workload management. His postseason availability has been hampered by health issues, including a late-season back problem.

The Braves face a daunting challenge with several key pitchers on the injured list, including Spencer Schwellenbach, Spencer Strider, and Reynaldo López. Tyler Mahle, who suffered a minor abdominal injury, may be unavailable for Game 2, further complicating the Braves' pitching plans.

Sale's inability to start Game 2 has significant implications for the series. If he starts Game 3, he can only pitch once more in the NLDS, limiting the Braves' options. If Sale cannot make Game 3, Atlanta could find itself in a precarious position.