Sale has taken a significant step towards returning to the mound, completing his first live batting practice since suffering a rib injury.

Atlanta Braves' starting pitcher Chris Sale is one step closer to rejoining the team's rotation.

The left-hander was placed on the 60-day injured list on June 22 (retroactive to June 20) after fracturing a rib during a play against the Mets on June 19. Today, Sale completed his first live batting practice since his injury before the Braves faced the Miami series at Truist Park.

Sale threw 30 pitches from the mound (equivalent to two simulated innings), facing two batters—a right-handed hitter and a left-handed hitter.

Sale stated, "Today was a great step forward; it felt good to be back on the mound after some time off." He added, "After going through such an injury, the most important thing is to feel good after throwing. I was able to throw a lot of good pitches. We'll see how I feel tomorrow and then make a decision."

Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker mentioned that Sale will come to the ballpark tomorrow, and the team will assess the next steps. Sale may engage in more live batting practice or begin a rehab assignment in the minor leagues.

Snitker said, "He had no setbacks, completed all his throwing sessions, and today’s performance was a very good step. Hopefully, he can come in tomorrow, and we can formulate a plan moving forward."

Sale indicated that he would leave the upcoming decisions to the Braves' coaching staff.

Sale remarked, "I'm in uniform, and those decisions are made by the people above me. I'll come to the ballpark tomorrow, get some work in, see how I feel, and then we’ll plan accordingly."

Sale noted that it took him about four weeks to feel comfortable enough to start throwing again.

Sale shared, "The first two weeks were almost stagnant. I felt like there was no progress during the initial weeks. By the third week, I finally started to feel some improvement. I can say that by the fourth week, I was pretty much back to normal, and that's when we began the rehab throwing sessions."

“Since then, each day has improved little by little.”

Sale gradually increased the intensity of his throwing sessions, ultimately completing live batting practice.

Sale explained, "I did some throws from 150 feet and also some long-distance throwing. I threw all my pitches, and before today, I had been on the mound three times. By the fourth week, I was confident about the next steps in my recovery."

Specifically, Sale was injured while making a play on a ground ball hit by Juan Soto in the ninth inning of the Braves' 5-0 victory over the Mets, injuring his sixth and seventh ribs.

Sale made the play and recorded the first out, but he stayed in to pitch for the second out before being replaced by closer Raisel Iglesias for the final out.

Sale recalled, "It was during that play that I cracked my rib. When pitchers try to do what athletes do, these things can happen. Next time, I might let [second baseman] Ozzie Albies take it. After all, this is Major League Baseball, and as a pitcher, I’m taught to give my all to make every out. I’m not too upset about getting hurt this way."

“Knowing it wasn’t an arm injury makes it a bit easier to accept. After all, it was a competitive play, and it was just bad luck that it happened. I didn’t lose any sleep over it.”

Although the Atlanta Braves (47-66) are currently 17.5 games behind the NL East-leading Phillies, Sale is not hesitant about returning to the mound this season.

Sale said, “I don’t care about the record; I just love to play the game and want to do my job. I’ve missed too many games to just accept being done. For me, finishing the season strong isn’t contingent on whether I’m hurt; it’s important. Being able to complete a year and continue pitching without too many worries or doubts heading into the offseason feels really good.”

Sale (5-4) has started 15 games this season, pitching 89.1 innings with a 2.52 ERA, 114 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 1.164.