Chris Sale destroys Boston Red Sox minor league clubhouse

There is no one who will question the competitiveness of Boston Red Sox pitcher Chris Sale, even when it comes to a rehab outing.

Sale made what is expected to be his final rehab start before heading back to the majors on Wednesday. The outing did not go as planned as he labored through 3.2 innings, allowing a run on three hits and five walks while striking out five. His final walk, a bases loaded free pass to force in a run, led to his being pulled from the game after 74 pitches.

Chris Sale takes out frustration in Boston Red Sox minor league clubhouse

Suffice to say, Sale was not pleased that he was removed from the game or his lack of command. He took out his frustrations on the Worcester Red Sox locker room, leaving a wake of destruction in his path.

While one can understand his frustrations at his outing, there comes a time when that fire needs to be kept under control. The last thing that the Red Sox would need is for Sale to injure himself in the midst of his tantrum and be sidelined for even longer. As he has made just nine major league appearances since his 2019 season came to an end prematurely, being forced to miss even more time after destroying a clubhouse would have been a terrible look.

It does show that Sale is ready to return in one area. His competitive fire is still burning as hotly as ever. It may have been a rehab outing, where the most important aspects were that he builds up his pitch count and emerges without injury, but that clearly is irrelevant to Sale. He wants to execute and perform well, regardless of level.

That fire and desire to win will be needed on the Red Sox. They are beginning the toughest part of their schedule while locked in a close battle for a spot in the postseason. Adding a pitcher with Sale’s track record should make a difference on the mound, and his fire should make a difference in the clubhouse.

The important thing was that Chris Sale got through his rehab appearances healthy and ready to join the Boston Red Sox. Someone forgot to tell Sale that.