Boston Red Sox: Chris Sale ready to end AL East race

As the trade deadline approaches, contending teams are scrambling to find upgrades to their roster. The pitching staff – whether the rotation, bullpen, or both – is certain to be a focus for many of those teams, as they look to limit the opposition in the postseason. The Boston Red Sox, however, have their upgrade coming from within.

Chris Sale is getting closer to returning to the majors as he is building up his stamina during his minor league rehab stint. Based on his performance Tuesday, he is close to ready.

Chris Sale can hand Boston Red Sox AL East

Sale appears to be completely back to form. He was in the upper 90s during his outing on Tuesday, with his slider looking as sharp as ever. Although he only threw 49 pitches, he lasted 3.2 innings, striking out six without giving up a hit.

If Sale is healthy, there are not many pitchers better in the game. From 2012 through 2018, he was an All Star every year, posting a 2.91 ERA and a 1.024 WHiP in his 1388 innings, striking out 1678 batters with just 300 walks. Sale was clearly one of the few true aces in the game, a pitcher who could make a dramatic difference in the fortunes for any team.

Normally it would be impossible to expect that any pitcher returning from Tommy John surgery would look like themselves immediately. However, that has been the case with Sale. His stuff is as good as it ever was, as he looks to put his mediocre 2019 season behind him.

If Sale is truly back to form and ready to dominate again, he would be the ace the Red Sox need. His presence atop the rotation would help stabilize a pitching staff that has struggled at times this season, adding a true stopper He would be the biggest addition for any team at the deadline, and would hand the Red Sox the division.

The Boston Red Sox are battling for the AL East. If Chris Sale is truly back to form and ready to dominate, the division is theirs.