Boston Red Sox: Chris Sale taking steps towards return
The Boston Red Sox have gone from a team projected to be fighting to stay out of the AL East basement to one of the biggest surprises in baseball this year. Not only have they pummelled the opposition into submission, but their pitching staff has been surprisingly solid. Their starting rotation, which was viewed as a collection of question marks, has been surprisingly competent.
The Red Sox rotation may be getting better in the somewhat near future. Chris Sale is back on the mound, and starting to feel like himself once again.
Dave Bush says Chris Sale is on the mound and building up. “He says he feels like a pitcher again.”
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) May 23, 2021
Boston Red Sox have positive news on Chris Sale
Sale had been one of the top pitchers in baseball before a disappointing 2019 season. He was a seven time All Star, finishing in the top five of the AL Cy Young vote for six consecutive seasons. The unquestioned ace of the Red Sox rotation, he was a key part to their hopes moving forward.
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But Sale was not himself in 2019. He posted a disappointing 6-11 record with a 4.40 ERA and a 1.086 WHiP in his 147.1 innings. Although he appeared to be the same in regards to his strikeouts and walk rate, with 218 strikeouts and 37 walks, he also allowed 24 homers and had velocity issues. Something was not right.
Eventually shut down due to elbow inflammation, he underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2020. He has been progressing through his rehab without issue, with his time on the mound going smoothly. It may still be some time before he is built up to the point where he can go on a rehab assignment, but that time is approaching.
It is also worth noting what Sale will mean to the rotation when he is ready to return. The Red Sox will have essentially acquired a staff ace around the trade deadline, getting a top of the rotation arm without giving anything up. As the Red Sox find themselves atop the AL East and may be battling for a playoff berth, Sale’s return could be the boost they need.
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Chris Sale is moving closer to a return to the Boston Red Sox. If he can return to form, he could be the piece they need to hold on to a playoff berth.