MLB rumors: Chris Sale scratched from scheduled start

Jul 18, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (49) throws against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning at Safeco Field. Seattle defeated Chicago, 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 18, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (49) throws against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning at Safeco Field. Seattle defeated Chicago, 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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In the ongoing MLB rumors involving White Sox pitching ace Chris Sale, it appears that him being scratched indicates talks have progressed.

On Saturday, the Chicago White Sox issued a statement that Chris Sale had been scratched from the lineup prior to their game against the Detroit Tigers. The team’s top pitching ace has been the subject of ongoing rumors that he may be on the trading block as Chicago tries to improve their subpar record.

An interesting tweet came out with regards to the statement, indicating that this means the White Sox have progressed in their trade talks with “at least one team.” As to which team that is, is still unknown, but frontrunners were said to include the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers due to their available cash and bargaining chips.

In place of Sale, Chicago sent Matt Albers to the mound. The right-hander has gone 2-4 so far this season with 34 innings pitched and an ERA of 5.03. The fact the team put him in place of Sale and sent their ace pitcher home is certainly curious for fans everywhere.

So far this season, Sale has racked up an impressive 14-3 record with a 3.18 ERA for the White Sox. As of this report, Chicago is in fourth place in the AL Central with a record of 46-50 and looking for any way possible to improve their roster towards the future. Letting go of Sale is obviously a huge move for them, but they’d look to bolster their young prospects in an attempt to improve their teetering around the .500 level.

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