Braves LHP Chris Sale (back) scratched with playoffs on the line

(Photo credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images)
Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale was scratched before his scheduled start in his team's must-win Game 2 of Monday's doubleheader against the visiting New York Mets because of back spasms.

Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos told reporters after Atlanta's 8-7 loss in Game 1 that Sale is day-to-day.

"If we could have him pitch, and it was safe, we would do that," Anthopoulos said.