The Boston Red Sox received some great news that also came along with some bad news today when the injury report on Chris Sale was released. Just recently, the Red Sox left-handed starting pitcher became the fastest pitcher to record 2,000 strikeouts in Major League Baseball history. Since then, Sale was put on the injured list and sent to visit Dr. James Andrews who is basically the “Doctor of Death” for pitchers when it comes to arm issues. Thankfully, Sale will not need dreaded Tommy John surgery, but he will require a PRP-injection.
Further details on Chris Sale, per Red Sox:
– He’s done for the regular season, with Dr. James Andrews recommending a re-evaluation in six weeks.
– He received a PRP shot in his left elbow. Doctors use it to promote healing.
– Even if Sox make playoffs, Sale return is unlikely.— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 19, 2019
This is good news but bad news, missing the regular season is confirmed, and playoffs is likely but the altnerative could have been far worse. Sale will go see Dr. Andrews again in six weeks for a re-evaluation, but as it stands his regular season is over and playoffs would be a long shot for Sale, if the Red Sox make it that far.
Being known for his Cy Young contender pitching, Sale has performed quite the opposite in 2019. Before being put on the injured list, Sale was 6-11 with a 4.40 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 218 strikeouts through 147.0 innings pitched. 2019 was the first season that Chris Sale was not crowned as an all-star since the 2012 season when he was pitching for the Chicago White Sox.
The Red Sox who are looking to make a push to get back into the postseason and defend their title are suffering a huge blow. Though his numbers are not the greatest, Sale is their “ace” and losing him will mean that guys will need to step up. More information on Sale’s injury and recovery time should come out in six weeks, but for now it is a rough look for the Red Sox.
