The Atlanta Braves opened the season with a series victory in Philadelphia. Chris Sale made his debut in the third start which resulted in a loss for the Braves. However, Chris Sale’s performance left Braves fans with plenty to feel positive about.

Chris Sale pitched 5.1 innings (83 pitches) allowing two earned runs and striking out seven. His fastball and slider were up in velocity over last year. Last season, his fastball averaged 93.9 mph and yesterday he was sitting at 94.9 mph. The slider was up to 79.4 mph over 77.8 mph from 2023.

The 35-year-old lefty appears to be 100% healthy and motivated for success in 2024.

#Braves players and Snitker all were talking about how cool it was to hear Sale pumped up when he told each of them, on the mound during the pitching change, to finish off the win and how great it was to be part of this team and be in this thing with them.

— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) March 31, 2024

Not only did Sale show off the arsenal that made him a seven-time All-Star. Sale’s Braves’ teammates loved his competitive spirit.

Austin Riley had this to say, as reported at MLB.com.

“I love the intensity. From a position player standpoint, you love to play behind those kinds of guys. He’s in every pitch and he’s super competitive. There’s not much more you can ask for. You like what you saw from him today.”

Sale is schedule to make his next start against the Arizona Diamondbacks at home.