Braves’ Chris Sale Gets Major Support From Aaron Judge

Chris Sale has had a few up and down years with the Boston Red Sox, but he’s back to pitch at an All-Star level in 2024 with the Atlanta Braves. Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees star outfielder who Sale has faced off against many times over the years, shared his thoughts on the Braves’ starting pitcher’s comeback in 2024.

“Chris Sale throws the ball, it feels like he’s throwing it from where the second baseman is,” Judge said recently, via Gabriel Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “He can throw the fastball 95, 97, 98 mph. He’s got a great feel for all of his pitches. He’s a guy who doesn’t back down. He comes right at you.”

Judge is 5-27 with one home run, one RBI and three walks against Sale in his career, according to StatMuse. Sale has struck out Judge 17 times. Judge admitted he’s “happy” to see Sale in another division.

“It was fun, even in his Boston days, to see him year after year,” Judge continued. “You look forward to those days. You don’t like seeing him because he’s one of the best in the game, but you enjoy going up against the best. I’m definitely glad he’s out of the AL East instead of having to see him every week. But it’s still fun to see him with the Braves, man. He’s a special, special pitcher.”

Chris Sale Enjoys Impressive Recovery Season After Braves-Red Sox Trade

There’s no doubt that Sale has benefited from his trade from the Red Sox to the Braves, having enjoyed a career resurgence in Atlanta during the 2024 season.

Sale was selected to his eighth MLB All-Star Game in 2024 and his first since 2018. He did not appear in the game because he was pitching on the Sunday before the Midsummer Classic. Regardless, it’s clear Sale is pitching at a high level again.

He currently leads the league with a 2.70 ERA. His 13 wins are also the most in the league. Sale has struck out 140 batters in 110 innings pitched. Sale is nearly unbeatable when he is at his best.

There was uncertainty when the Braves acquired Sale from the Red Sox last offseason. He had been dealing with injuries in Boston. Plus, any pitcher in his mid-30s comes with risk.

Sale has rewarded the Braves’ faith and is a difference-maker in the starting pitching rotation. The fact that Aaron Judge, who is reportedly the best hitter in MLB, had nothing but positive things to say about Sale is a testament to the veteran hurler’s elite abilities on the mound.

The Braves are currently in second place in the National League East. Atlanta is eight games behind the first-place Philadelphia Phillies. Winning the division will be a challenge, but nothing is out of the question. Writing the Braves off is a risky proposition.

The Braves expect to secure at least an NL Wild Card spot. Sale’s performance in the final stages will be crucial to how the club ultimately fares. Atlanta will undoubtedly be a team worth watching closely in the second half of the season.