Boston Red Sox: Chris Sale bullpen session draws a crowd

There is no question that the Boston Red Sox are eagerly awaiting Chris Sale‘s return. Even though he may not immediately be the same pitcher he has been in the past, he should still be an upgrade to the back of the rotation. With the Red Sox sitting a game behind the Rays for the AL East entering Friday’s action, Sale could be the boost they need.

Sale is slowly getting closer to returning. He threw off the mound at Fenway Park on Friday, drawing a crowd as the Red Sox pitching staff gathered to watch his workout.

Chris Sale getting closer to Boston Red Sox return

It was clear that something was wrong with Sale in 2019. He was not himself, with his velocity having decreased and his breaking stuff not as sharp as it had been. Before he was shelved for the season with elbow inflammation, he had posted a disappointing 6-11 record with a 4.40 ERA and a 1.086 WHiP over his 147.1 innings, striking out 218 batters with 37 walks.

The hope was that Sale would be healthy for the 2020 campaign. However, those hopes were dashed early in spring training; his elbow began hurting during the first batting practice session he threw, with an MRI revealing that he needed Tommy John surgery. His 2020 season was over before it began.

But Sale is taking the first steps to returning to the Red Sox. He will still need to throw to live batters, and undergo a rehab assignment. Chances are, he may be back around the trade deadline, provided that everything goes well and he does not suffer any setbacks.

Should that timeframe hold true, Sale would essentially be the equivalent of one of the top trade deadline acquisitions. The Red Sox would get an ace for their rotation without having to give anything up, a boost that could make a major difference in their quest to return to the postseason.

Chris Sale is going to draw a lot of attention as he comes back from Tommy John surgery. His Boston Red Sox teammates are certainly watching his progress.