The Braves acquired veteran left-handed pitcher Chris Sale just before the end of the 2023 calendar year. Atlanta didn't have many pressing offseason needs, but an added reliable arm to the rotation was certainly one of them. In order to land Sale, the Braves had to part with an exciting prospect that had made it clear he was ready for Major League action.
Unfortunately for the Boston Red Sox, Vaughn Grissom isn't on track to make the Opening Day roster anymore. Grissom had been nursing a hamstring injury and had yet to play in Spring Training action, but just a few days ago we learned that the 23 year-old infielder suffered a groin strain while taking ground balls.
Boston manager Alex Cora says Grissom is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day
This is crushing blow for the former Braves prospect, as he was set to make his first Opening Day roster. Grissom will still get the chance to become Boston's second baseman of the future once he is fully healthy, but it's pretty clear now that isn't going to be in early April.
Instead Grissom will spend the rest of spring slowly building his way into everyday baseball shape. Luckily for Vaughn, the injury isn't considered to be major, so an early return once the regular season starts isn't out of the question. All in all, Grissom is still in good spirits and ready to get to work for the Red Sox.
Vaughn Grissom is getting ready to go in his first year with the @RedSox!
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 5, 2024
The young infielder discussed how he looks to continue to develop on both sides of the ball in 2024.@adnansvirk | #MLBTonight pic.twitter.com/yoQTi5hEsa
Meanwhile Chris Sale looks unhittable in Spring Training
On the flip side of that deal, Chris Sale has been one of the most impressive pieces of Braves camp. He is still building his arm up for the long season, but his early outings have featured plenty of swing and miss stuff.
Sale's fastball has sat in the mid 90's, and even touched 97 mph at times. Partner that with his slider which is still a wipeout pitch, the early returns from the December 30th trade between the Braves and the Red Sox have very much went Atlanta's way.
I'm sure Braves country will route for Grissom to get healthy, and become a great player for the Red Sox, but right now we can't help but count down the days until we get to see Chris Sale on the mound again. Hopefully, the fun to watch Sale outings continue through the entirety of his Braves tenure.