Chris Sale returns against Philadelphia

"He boasted a 2.69 FIP and a 3.20 xFIP over his 89.1 innings and was generally performing in line with his career baseline, which is quite possibly looking like a Hall of Fame career if he can put another good season or two together. Tomorrow will be about avoiding injuries for the injury-plagued veteran and hoping Chris can find his stuff and command in his few starts before the offseason."

"He's taken another step this year, with a jump from solidly below average to solidly above average in terms of strikeout rate, while maintaining his walk and ground ball rates. That's a pretty fantastic improvement. Sanchez is a very impressive pitcher, with a three pitch mix from the left side with good velocity and elite extension at 6'6. He throws his sinker nearly half of the time with a fantastic changeup as his best pitch and a very vertical slider to round out his arsenal. All of his pitches err on the arm side relative to league average shape for the pitch type."

Wins and losses are largely irrelevant with playoff contention effectively over, though draft position still matters. Chris Sale returns for Atlanta after breaking ribs diving for a ball and aimed to pitch competitively before the offseason. Sale posted a 2.69 FIP and 3.20 xFIP across 89.1 innings and was performing near his career baseline, suggesting possible Hall of Fame trajectory with more strong seasons. Avoiding injury and regaining command are priorities. Philadelphia will start Cristopher Sanchez, a lefty with a jump in strikeouts, a heavy sinker, an excellent changeup, and a vertical slider, giving the Phillies the edge. Game Aug 29, 6:05 p.m. EDT at Citizens Bank Park.

Read at Battery Power