Sale (5-2) allowed six runs on five hits and three walks while striking out eight across 4.1 innings Sunday as he was tabbed with the loss against the Braves.
The Braves were able to get to Sale early, as they struck for three runs in the second inning, followed by three more in the fifth. Sale was removed after recording one out in the fifth, replaced by Brian Johnson, who allowed both of his inherited runners to score. The most alarming aspect of Sunday's start was his sloppy control. He entered the season with a 2.1 BB/9 but has walked nine batters over his last 17 innings. Despite a poor outing, Sale sits with a 2.76 ERA and 0.96 WHIP, while his next chance to improve those marks should come Friday against the Astros.