American League Central Notes: Drew Smyly, Chris Sale, Kansas City Royals, Minnesota Twins
The White Sox and Indians are battling for first, but don’t sleep on the Tigers. You can probably sleep on the Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins though. Here are your American League Central notes:
Jim Leyland says
Drew Smyly‘s blister is the worst one he’s ever seen.
According to Chris Iott of Mlive.com
,
Leyland said, “It was huge. I’ve never seen a blood blister that big.”
Smyly had to leave yesterday’s game due to the blister on his left middle finger. Iott says the blister isn’t expected to keep Smyly from making his next scheduled start.
Chris Salehas been a breakout star for the Chicago White Sox this season, but the team is intent on protecting the young lefty’s arm.
Dave van Dyck of the Chicago Tribune
says the White Sox are going to closely monitor Sale’s innings. The team will likely give Sale extra rest leading up to the All-Star Game and after the game, even if Sale pitches in the game.
Sale is 8-2 with a 2.05 ERA this season. He has already struck out 76 batters in 74 2/3 innings pitched. In the month of June, Sale has pitched 17 innings and given up just two runs.