Snitker: Sale unlikely to pitch vs. Padres after Monday's late scratch

Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale was scratched from his start in the must-win second game of Monday's doubleheader against the New York Mets due to back spasms.

After the Braves won Game 162 to advance to the playoffs, manager Brian Snitker said Sale is unlikely to be available during the wild-card series against the San Diego Padres, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. The left-hander's status for the NLDS, should Atlanta advance, isn't known.

Sale was scratched just a few minutes before Atlanta's do-or-die season finale. Right-hander Grant Holmes got the ball on short notice and struck out seven with only one hit allowed over four-plus innings. Holmes and five Braves relievers combined to shut out the Mets 3-0 and clinch the team's seventh consecutive playoff berth.

Sale, who's the favorite to win the NL Cy Young Award, said he's pitched with worse issues but the Braves didn't want to risk further injury after his back started to bother him more Sunday night.

The eight-time All-Star said he first experienced the back discomfort in the second inning of his start against the Cincinnati Reds on Sept. 19, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com.

The 35-year-old left-hander finishes his regular season with 18 wins, a 2.38 ERA, and 225 strikeouts over 177 2/3 innings (29 starts) to secure the NL pitching Triple Crown.