Braves Must Win to Secure Wild Card Spot

Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale was scratched from his start in the second game of a crucial doubleheader against the New York Mets due to back spasms, jeopardizing their playoff hopes. Sale, the frontrunner for the National League Cy Young Award, had been pivotal this season, leading the league with an 18-3 record, 2.38 ERA, and 225 strikeouts. Grant Holmes replaced him, but the Braves lost the first game, making the second a must-win to secure a playoff spot. Sale's injury raises concerns about his availability for the Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres. The Braves must now strategize their pitching rotation creatively, possibly relying on bullpen games or reserve starters.