{
  "id": 12222031,
  "title": "Ace Chris Sale is fully rested for Game 3 against Dodgers, giving Braves their 'best-case scenario'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/ace-chris-sale-is-fully-rested-for-game-3-against-dodgers-giving-12222031",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-05T20:12:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ace-chris-sale-fully-rested-201250454.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss received criticism for his decision to use the bullpen in Game 2 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Critics believed Chris Sale, the ace left-hander, should have started instead of opening the game, with the hope of having a fresh Sale for a potential Game 5. Sale, who is 37 years old, has performed exceptionally well with extra rest this season. Weiss explained that while they could have started Sale in Game 2, opting for a fully rested Sale in Game 3 would be more beneficial in the long run. Sale, who was available, expressed confidence in his ability to perform at a high level if selected to start. The Braves' bullpen, led by Ray Kerr, played a crucial role in the team's 3-2 victory, securing a best-case scenario for the series. If Game 3 proceeds as expected, Sale is set to start against Dodgers' starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the 2025 World Series MVP.",
  "summary": "ATLANTA (AP) — Walt Weiss heard what he described as “screaming” from those who criticized his decision to have Ray Kerr open a bullpen game for the Atlanta Braves in Game 2 of the NL Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.The critics thought Weiss should have started Chris Sale in Game 2 so the ace left-hander might also be an option if a Game 5 is necessary.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Ace Chris Sale is fully rested for Game 3 against Dodgers, giving Braves their ‘best-case scenario’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/ace-chris-sale-is-fully-rested-for-game-3-against-dodgers-giving",
        "published": "2026-10-05T20:13:34.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}