Chicago White Sox suspend Chris Sale for jersey incident

The Chicago White Sox have decided to suspend ace left-handed pitcher Chris Sale for five games after his incident destroying throwback jerseys Saturday.

Not to anybody’s surprise, but the Chicago White Sox organization has decided to suspend their star left-handed starting pitcher Chris Sale for his throwback jersey incident before Saturday’s start against the White Sox’s American League Central nemesis Detroit Tigers. He will be suspended by his club for five games.

Sale wanted no part in wearing the White Sox’s throwback jerseys in his Saturday start versus the Tigers. He went about destroying all of his teammates throwbacks, so that he wouldn’t have to wear those uniforms in his start.

Up to this point in Sale’s strong MLB career, he had been allowed to choose what jersey he wanted to wear in his home starts. Saturday was an exception he wasn’t willing to make.

In the White Sox’s press release on Sunday, senior vice president/general manager Rick Hahn said the following about Chicago’s decision to suspend the team’s best player. “While we all appreciate Chris’ talent and passion, there is a correct way and an incorrect way to express concerns about team rules and organizational expectations.”

This is the second odd incident involving the White Sox in 2016. First baseman/designated hitter Adam LaRoche abruptly retired because the organization didn’t feel comfortable with letting LaRoche’s son be in the White Sox dugout…every day.

Sale maybe a superstar southpaw for the White Sox with a 14-3 record, a 3.18 ERA, and a 1.008 WHIP in 19 starts, but Chicago has scuffled after a hot start in 2016. The White Sox find themselves with a 46-50 record through 96 games, in fourth place in the American League Central, and a 2-8 record in their last 10 games.

It’s a frustrating time for the White Sox and Sale’s most recent outburst best summarizes how things are going on the Southside diamond. In all likelihood, Sale will miss maybe one start after being scratched on Saturday, but his suspension will be big news in the MLB for the rest of the week.

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