Aaron Judge shared his honest thoughts on Chris Sale, who is having a bounce-back season with the Atlanta Braves.
Chris Sale experienced several tumultuous years with the Boston Red Sox, but in 2024 with the Atlanta Braves, he has returned to pitching at an elite level reminiscent of his All-Star days. Aaron Judge, the standout outfielder for the New York Yankees who has faced Sale numerous times, recently praised Sale’s resurgence this season.
“Chris Sale throws the ball, it feels like he’s throwing it from where the second baseman is standing,” Judge commented, as reported by Gabriel Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “He can get the fastball up to 95, 97, 98 mph. He has great feel for all his pitches. He’s a guy who doesn’t back down. He comes right at you.”
Judge, who holds a 5-27 record with one home run, one RBI, and three walks against Sale, acknowledged his relief that Sale is now in a different division. “You don’t like facing him because he’s one of the best in the game, but you like competing against the best,” Judge added. “Definitely happy to have him out of the AL East instead of having to see him every other week.”
Chris Sale enjoying impressive bounce-back season after Braves-Red Sox trade
Since joining the Braves from the Red Sox, Sale has rejuvenated his career in Atlanta. He earned his eighth MLB All-Star selection in 2024, showcasing a league-leading 2.70 ERA and tallying the most wins (13) in the league. With 140 strikeouts in 110 innings, Sale has proven nearly untouchable when at his peak.
Despite initial uncertainties surrounding Sale’s move due to past injuries and his age, he has become a pivotal figure in the Braves’ pitching rotation. Judge’s commendations reflect Sale’s undeniable prowess on the mound, underscoring his impact on the team’s performance in the competitive National League East.
As the Braves aim for a postseason berth, Sale’s ongoing performance will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their playoff aspirations. With the team currently in contention for both the division title and a wild card spot, Atlanta remains a compelling team to follow closely as the season progresses.
