The Braves' ace was one out from a complete-game shutout when Brian Snitker went to the bullpen but Sale was grateful for the opportunity.

Chris Sale went 8 2/3 innings just missing his first shutout since 2019, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson hit home runs, and the Atlanta Braves beat the New York Mets 5-0.

When the Atlanta Braves scratched Chris Sale from his projected start on Sunday, alarm bells rang. Was Sale injured like he wound up being last season when the Braves pushed him back? Ultimately, the answer was no. The Braves made this decision to gain a competitive advantage, and it couldn't have worked out any better for them.