In a remarkable display of pitching prowess, Atlanta Braves’ ace Chris Sale has etched his name into Major League Baseball history by becoming the fastest pitcher to achieve 2,500 career strikeouts. Sale reached this milestone in just 2,026 innings, surpassing the previous record held by Hall of Famer Randy Johnson, who accomplished the feat in 2,107⅔ innings in 1999.
A Historic Night in Philadelphia
The milestone was achieved during the second game of a doubleheader against the Philadelphia Phillies on May 29, 2025. Sale struck out Edmundo Sosa in the sixth inning, marking his eighth strikeout of the game and the 2,500th of his illustrious career. The Braves went on to win the game 9-3, splitting the doubleheader after a 5-4 loss earlier in the day.
Reflecting on the achievement, Sale remained focused on the team’s objectives. “I appreciate it for what it is, but I try not to get too caught up in stuff like that right now,” Sale said. “I know what our job is here. And no matter whether you have a good one or a bad one, the next one is the … .”
Dominance on the Mound
Sale’s performance against the Phillies was nothing short of dominant. Over six scoreless innings, he allowed just two hits and three walks while … batters. This outing improved his season record to 3-3 with a … over 12 starts.
While his current season statistics are solid, they follow an exceptional 2024 campaign in which Sale won the National League Cy Young Award and achieved the pitching Triple Crown by leading … ), and strikeouts (225). He also topped the majors in few … home runs allowed per nine innings (0 … ).
A Career of Excellence
At 36 years old, Sale’s career continues to be a testament to consistency and excellence. An eight-time All-Star, he has played for the Chicago White Sox ( … –2016), Boston Red Sox (2017–2019, 2021–2023), and Atlanta Braves (2024–present). His career statistics include a 141-86 win-loss record and a 3.04 ERA over 384 games.
Braves manager Brian Snitker praised Sale’s dedication and impact on the game. “He’s kind of doing Hall of … ,” Snitker said. “That guy is probably as big a … .”
A Legacy Cemented
Sale’s achievement places him among an elite group of pitchers. He joins Clayton Kershaw, Justin Verlander, and Max Scherzer as the only active pitchers to have reached the 2,500-strikeout mark. His rapid ascent to this milestone underscores his dominance and consistency throughout his career.
As the Braves continue their season, Sale’s leadership and performance on the mound will be pivotal in their pursuit of success. His recent milestone not only highlights his personal achievements but also serves as an inspiration to teammates and fans alike.