At the time, Sale's most recent innings total of 102 2/3 innings was his highest in three seasons, as he had barely pitched in 2021-2022, and missed 2020 entirely. His ailments included rib and pinkie injuries, along with Tommy John Surgery. The Braves made a gamble that Sale would be his dominant pitching self without the issues that would keep him off the field, and boy, did it pay off.
"Crochet has been a revelation for Boston and is a serious contender for the American League Cy Young Award right now. The 26-year-old earned his second straight All-Star nod this season, but now with Boston."