Braves' Walt Weiss pumps brakes on Chris Sale's red flags after concerning start vs. Athletics

The Atlanta Braves struck gold when they traded for Chris Sale a few years ago. At the time, the move was viewed as risky, but those concerns were quickly silenced when he won the Cy Young Award. Now, he is also closing in on passing Tom Glavine in career strikeouts.

“Not only was Sale's first start of the season one that secured the Braves' first win of the 2026 season, but it also saw him make it into the top 30 career strikeout rankings by passing Bob Feller and Warren Spahn. If you are passing guys like that on almost any all-time list, it is a pretty big deal. However, what is perhaps more interesting is that the next name up for Sale to pass, at just 22 strikeouts away, as the Braves prepare for their rubber game against the A's, is Atlanta legend, Tom Glavine,” HTHB’s Eric Cole wrote.

During his outing on Wednesday, there were some red flags, as his fastball was barely touching 90 MPH. In his postgame conference, Sale acknowledged that he simply didn’t have his best stuff.

“Chris Sale was asked why his velo was down a little bit. Says he noticed it pregame and knows sometimes you’re just not going to have it so you have to raise your focus,” Atlanta sports reporter Reggie Chatman Jr. posted.

While Sale didn’t provide a specific reason, manager Walt Weiss offered some clarity. Sale had been battling an illness, which played a significant role in the dip in velocity.

“Chris Sale pitched today despite being sick heading into it. Walt Weiss said he would’ve been happy with getting three innings out of him,” SI’s Harrison Smajovitts wrote.

Despite the circumstances, Sale allowed just one hit in the game—a solo home run to Shea Langeliers. The Braves’ ace has now put together two strong starts to open the season, and the concerns surrounding his velocity appear to have a clear explanation.

Sale’s response to the situation highlights the kind of competitor and teammate he is. He refused to use illness as an excuse for not having his best stuff. Meanwhile, Weiss continues to show why he has been a strong hire for the Braves, backing his ace and providing transparency.

More MLB news: