iStockphoto
One MLB bettor came, oh, so close to cashing in on a preseason prop bet with odds greater than 100-to-1. Unfortunately, a late scratch before the final game of the season effectively ended hope.
Chris Sale was expected to make his final start for the Atlanta Braves on Monday as the team looked to book a spot in the postseason. Just before first pitch, he was removed from the lineup.
Back spasms were the reported issue, leaving Grant Holmes as the next option.
Oh, no.
Chris Sale is scratched with back spasms.
He will not be pitching to save Atlanta’s season.— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) September 30, 2024
The absence is a significant one.
The Braves had a chance to secure a playoff spot earlier in the day but dropped a wild Game 1 of a doubleheader.
That game saw Atlanta blow a 3-0 lead in the eighth inning, overcome a three-run deficit a half-inning later, then allow a go-ahead home run in the top of the ninth to lose, 8-7.
If there was a time that it needed its ace, it was in Game 2 with the season on the line!
Chris Sale is a Cy Young candidate that leads Major League Baseball in ERA (2.38) and wins (18). He entered the contest with 225 strikeouts, good for second in the league.
Four more K’s would’ve given him the crown, and at least one bettor was rooting hard for it to happen!
A $20 prop bet was placed on the lefty to record the most strikeouts in 2024. A win would’ve paid out more than $2,000! That goal was well in reach had Chris Sale made the start.
Unfortunately, it wouldn’t come to fruition. The late scratch proved costly!