The Atlanta Braves’ starting rotation has been a bright spot over their last 10 games, consistently delivering strong performances. That stretch began with veteran left-hander Chris Sale, who will look to keep the momentum going Sunday afternoon in the rubber match of a three-game series against the host Pittsburgh Pirates. He’ll face right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski (1-3, 6.16 ERA).
Sale (1-3, 4.07 ERA) has been in sharp form recently, striking out 10 batters in each of his last two starts and allowing just two runs across 13 2/3 innings. His latest outing was especially dominant—6 2/3 shutout innings against the Cincinnati Reds, yielding only five hits and two walks.
Outside of a 10-3 defeat to the Dodgers on May 3, Atlanta’s pitching staff hasn’t allowed more than four runs in any of its past 10 games. However, the team has gone just 5-5 in that span due to inconsistent offensive production. That lack of run support nearly spoiled another strong pitching performance on Saturday, but the Braves pulled out a 3-2 win in 11 innings over Pittsburgh.
Atlanta’s starting rotation continues to be a major strength, turning in its best stretch of the season—and it could get even stronger once ace Spencer Strider returns from injury.
Chris Sale has been at the forefront of that success, posting a stellar 1.96 ERA over his past four starts (23 innings), with the Braves winning three of those games. He’s been especially effective against the Pirates, owning a 1-0 record and 0.64 ERA in two career starts versus Pittsburgh. His lone start at PNC Park was dominant: seven innings of one-run ball with eight strikeouts on May 26, 2024.
“Over the last couple of starts, we’ve looked at video, done some analytic things… and just making these minor tweaks to try to get back to being successful,” Sale said recently, highlighting the adjustments behind his resurgence.
On the other side, Pirates right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski continues to face growing pains in his transition from the bullpen to the starting rotation. He’s completed five innings in just two of his seven starts. In his most recent outing Monday against the Cardinals, Mlodzinski gave up two runs on four hits (including two homers) while striking out two and walking none. He was removed after facing the lineup twice, and the bullpen couldn’t preserve a 3-2 lead, ultimately surrendering four runs in a 6-3 loss.
The Braves will look to capitalize on Pittsburgh’s pitching depth while riding the momentum of their strong rotation.
The Pittsburgh Pirates may be without starting center fielder Oneil Cruz for Sunday’s series finale against the Braves, after he exited Saturday’s game following the 10th inning due to lower back tightness. The injury appeared to occur during a baserunning play in the ninth inning. Though he remained in for the 10th, he did not return for extra innings and was later ruled day-to-day by the team.
Cruz, who leads the Pirates with eight home runs and 16 stolen bases this season, is not in Sunday’s starting lineup. Tommy Pham will start in left field, and Alexander Canario shifts to center to cover his absence.
“When he was going to second and slowed up, it kind of tightened up on him,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said regarding Oneil Cruz’s lower back issue. “We’ll see how it goes for him day-to-day.”
Saturday’s game was also eventful for Kelly personally—he was ejected in the sixth inning of just his second game as interim manager, leaving third base coach Mike Rabelo to handle managerial duties for the remainder of the game while continuing his usual responsibilities.
Kelly noted the club is working to fill the vacant bench coach position in the coming days, either from within the organization or via an outside hire. In the meantime, hitting coach Matt Hague and pitching coaches Oscar Marin and Brent Strom have helped cover bench coach duties.
