Left-handed pitcher Chris SaleA veteran of 241 starts in his career said Tuesday to reporters at Fenway Park, that he would be open to returning from injury as a relief pitcher.
Making his way back towards the Boston Red Sox Sale, 33, suffered a stress fracture in the rib cage and threw a bullpen on Monday. He is expected to throw another bullpen session at Fenway on Wednesday.
Sale stated that the bullpen was “for sure.” “I believe that getting back out there is all that really matters at this point.”
Sale spoke in Red Sox dugout prior to Boston opening a series against him Oakland Athletics. He has been able to see his teammates overcome a slow start and jump into wild-card contention for the American League. Boston had won 8 of the 10 series before the Oakland series began. Tuesday’s play was 3.5 games from the second wild-card slot in the AL.
Boston has rallied. The starting rotation has also had to be shuffled due to other injuries. Nathan EovaldiThis is the team’s inaugural starter. Garrett Whitlock Both are currently on the 15 day injured list.
Sale claimed that he was a “blank piece of paper” that the Red Sox could put where they like. Sale could, however, be sent on a rehab stint in the minors if he throws well Thursday. Since the start of 2019, Sale has thrown just 42 1/3 innings for Red Sox.
Sale had to stop his recovery due to a non-COVID-19 medical situation. This delayed Sale’s throwing process for 10 days. Sale then took Tuesday off to explain to reporters.
“I had some stuff. He said that because of some family history, I had to check some boxes for some frightening things.” It all came back in the clear.
Sale is 114-74 and has a 3.03 ERA with 2,059 strikeouts in his major-league career. He has 12 saves to his credit. He will be signed through 2024, when the five-year, $145m deal with Boston expires.