Braves' Sale scratched vs. Mets with playoff spot on line

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

Right-hander Grant Holmes will get the ball for the Braves, who need a win in the last game of the season to secure an NL wild-card spot after the Mets won the thrilling first contest 8-7 to punch their ticket to the playoffs.

The Arizona Diamondbacks would sneak into the postseason if Atlanta loses both games to New York.

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.