On Friday night, the Atlanta Braves are playing the Kansas City Royals (at home) in Georgia for their first game of the new season.
Chris Sale made the start for Atlanta, only allowing three hits with six strikeouts (in six innings).
Braves Star Chris Sale Made MLB History
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – JUNE 04: Chris Sale #51 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Truist Park on June 04, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Sale also made MLB history during his performance.
Chad Bishop of AJC wrote: “Chris Sale with career strikeout 2,584 to pass Warren Spahn for 30th on MLB’s all-time career strikeout list.
Tom Glavine is 29th with 2,607.”
GettyARLINGTON, TEXAS – JULY 15: Chris Sale #51 of the Atlanta Braves speaks to the media during Gatorade All-Star Workout Day at Globe Life Field on July 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Sale is in his third season playing for the Braves.
He is coming off a solid year where he went 7-5 with a 2.58 ERA in 21 games.
Bishop added: “Final line on Chris Sale: 6 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 6 Ks, 88 pitches (54 strikes), nine whiffs, 17 first-pitch strikes”
Sale’s MLB Career
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 28: Chris Sale #41 of the Boston Red Sox walks off of the field after being taken out of a game against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning at Fenway Park on August 28, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
Sale was the 13th pick in the 2010 MLB Draft.
He spent the first seven years of his career playing for the Chicago White Sox.
During that stint, Sale made five All-Star Games.
GettyCHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 27: Starting pitcher Chris Sale #49 of the Chicago White Sox deliivers the ball against the Tampa Bay Rays at U.S. Cellular Field on September 27, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Following the White Sox, Sale played six seasons in Boston (for the Red Sox).
During his time with the franchise, he made two All-Star Games and helped them win the 2018 World Series.
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 15: Chris Sale #51 of the Atlanta Braves attends the 2025 MLB All-Star Game red carpet at Truist Park on July 15, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Sale has done an excellent job of extending his prime while with the Braves.
He had been coming off a down year in 2023 (with Boston) before joining the club.
Looking Ahead For Atlanta
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 05: Chris Sale #51 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the second inning against the Seattle Mariners at Truist Park on September 05, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
While Sale has been elite during his stint in Atlanta, the Braves are coming off a tough year where they missed the MLB playoffs.
They won the World Series in 2021, and have an elite roster that can compete to win the National League East in 2026.
Following the Royals, the Braves will remain in Atlanta for a series with the Athletics that starts on March 30 at Truist Park.
Atlanta Braves Star Chris Sale Made MLB History In Royals Game