newsweek
Atlanta Braves star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. weighed in on the team's controversial decision to hold back left-hander Chris Sale from starting Game 2 of the National League Division Series. The Braves opted to give Sale rest after he made two appearances in the Wild Card Series, turning to fellow lefty Ray Kerr to take the mound for the second game.
Sale has been the Braves' ace throughout the season, recording a stellar 2.16 ERA and striking out 200 batters. In the postseason, he has fanned 12 batters over 7.2 innings while surrendering three earned runs. His most recent outing was a relief stint in Game 3 of the Wild Card Series, where he tossed 1.1 scoreless innings.
When questioned about the decision to rest Sale before Game 2, Acuña deflected the focus. "I don't know what I'm going to say about this because I can't control that," Acuña said. "I can control what I can control. So today we go out and try to win."
The Braves dropped the series opener to the Los Angeles Dodgers, 5-3, making a victory in Game 2 crucial before the series shifts to Atlanta for Games 3 and 4. Acuña is among the Braves' most impactful players, capable of changing a game's outcome with his bat and speed. Although he had a somewhat down year in 2026, he still slugged 20 home runs and drove in 55 runs. The former NL MVP posted a .796 OPS and stole 20 bases as the Braves captured the NL East title for the first time since 2023.
Key Analysis
Despite the Dodgers taking Game 1, the Braves had the upper hand in the regular-season series. Los Angeles won a tight series at Dodger Stadium early in the year, two games to one, but Atlanta responded with a three-game sweep of the defending World Series champions in late August. Sale was instrumental in that sweep, throwing a complete-game shutout against the Dodgers. His eventual return to the mound—whenever it happens—will provide a significant boost. However, that moment won't arrive in Game 2, which is set to begin Sunday at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Originally reported by newsweek.