Braves manager Brian Snitker announced on Wednesday that injured starting pitcher Chris Sale will throw batting practice on Thursday. Sale, the reigning NL Cy Young winner, fractured his ribs diving to preserve a complete-game shutout against the New York Mets on June 18.

Atlanta Braves left-hander Chris Sale (ribs) will make his first minor-league rehab start on Tuesday with Triple-A Gwinnett, according to Gabe Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Sale came out of his 30-pitch simulated game on Thursday feeling good and has been cleared to take the next step

I think being able to get some innings under my belt this year is going to protect me for next year,” Sale said.