Boston Red Sox Get Optimistic Outlook on Starting Pitcher Chris Sale

Boston Red Sox ace Chris Sale got some optimistic news on Friday regarding his return from injury.

Per Ian Browne of MLB.com:

Chris Sale will throw his first bullpen session on Tuesday, marking his first time off a mound since the night he got injured on June 1.

Chris Sale will throw his first bullpen session on Tuesday, marking his first time off a mound since the night he got injured on June 1.
— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) July 14, 2023

Sale has been out with a stress reaction in his shoulder blade which has left a gaping hole in the Red Sox rotation. In addition to his absence, the team has had injuries to Garrett Whitlock, Tanner Houck and Corey Kluber and has been forced to go with bullpen games on multiple occasions.

If and when Sale does return, it will be a major boost to that rotation, and a major boost to a Red Sox team fighting for a playoff spot.

The Sox entered play on Friday at 48-43 and in last place in the American League East, but they were just 2.0 games back in the wild card. A return from Sale could be a huge boost to playoff chances for the Sox, who haven't been to the playoffs since 2021.

Sale's injury came at a really unfortunate time, as he had started to re-establish himself as an ace. After an injury-riddled 2020-2022, Sale was 5-2 with a 4.58 ERA. He's struck out 71 batters in 59 innings and has seen his velocity reach the upper 90s.

For his career, he's a seven-time All-Star selection who helped the Red Sox win the 2018 World Series.

The Red Sox lead the Cubs, 5-2, at the time of this posting.

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