Despite this being Chris Sale's third All-Star selection in an Atlanta Braves uniform, it was the first Midsummer Classic he was actually active to participate. Unfortunately for Braves fans who anxiously watched the 2026 MLB All-Star Game while waiting for their ace to make an appearance were disappointed.
After the National League's 4-0 loss, NL manager Dave Roberts revealed that despite being active to pitch, the Braves had asked the National League to stay away from using Sale, despite Sale himself saying before the game that he was indeed available to pitch.
While it might have been disappointing for fans who were looking forward to finally see Sale make an appearance in an All-Star game while donning the A, the Braves holding their ace back might be for the best.
Chris Sale's All-Star benching favors Braves in the second
It's been no secret that the Braves starting rotation has not been in a good place this season. With Spencer Strider injured, Martín Perez and Bryce Elder seeing severe regression, and Grant Holmes and Reynaldo López continuing to put up inconsistent outings, Sale has been the only reliable starter for the Braves.
Unfortunately, the Braves have also wanted to play it safe with their ace. Despite Atlanta having a miserable June and Sale being easily their best starter, they only let him take the mound four times, giving him up to nine days rest. The Braves only won one of these starts thanks to embarrassing run support from the offense.
It's obvious the Braves are wanting to play it safe, and their request to leave Sale sidelined during the All-Star Game further proves this. With the Braves lead in the NL East dwindling from as high as 10.5 games to just two games, Atlanta needs as many starts from Sale as possible.
The Braves clearly agree, as they've announced that Sale will start the club's first game out of the break against the Texas Rangers. If Sale had thrown an inning in the Midsummer Classic, there's a chance it would have bumped him to Saturday.
With the Phillies and Marlins hot on the Braves tail, every game matters, and if it means trading a Chris Sale All-Star appearance for an extra start down the stretch, it will be worth it.
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