Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale just returned to the majors in July after facing an injury. Now, he’s out for the rest of the season with another one.
The Boston Red Sox have had an unpredictable season with their bullpen and starting rotation that just got even more unpredictable. Veteran pitcher Chris Sale just returned to the majors in July after recovering from a finger injury, and now he’s facing another one that’s keeping him out for the rest of the season.
Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom provided more insight on Sale’s injury. He stated that Sale went on a bike to grab lunch, hit something when going down a hill, and flew off the bike.
“You couldn’t make this up… We’re relieved this wasn’t worse… It’s been such a run of bad luck for him and for us,” Bloom said of the unexpected turn of events.
According to Boston Globe’s Alex Speier, Sale was throwing at Boston College because there were concerts taking place at Fenway Park. For those interested, the biking accident didn’t take place as a result of the relocation to Boston College — Sale was at home from his throwing session when he decided to bike to pick up lunch.
Chris Sale hasn’t consistently played for the Red Sox since 2019
Sale is no stranger to injury. MLB insider Jeff Passan recounted some of his most recent injuries and the effect they’ve had on his career.
He began to face elbow issues in August of 2019, which led to Tommy John surgery that took him out entirely in 2020. In 2021, he had just nine starts. Now, after only playing two games in the majors, he’ll end the 2022 season prematurely.
Prior to his journey with injuries, he was an incredible pitcher. In 2018, he produced an ERA of 2.11, batting average against of .181 and WHIP of 0.86. In 2019, his performance got significantly worse, and he produced an ERA of 4.40, BAA of .221 and WHIP of 1.09.
According to a tweet posted by the Red Sox organization, Sale is expected to be ready for the start of Spring Training in 2023.
Sale has had a difficult journey the past few years, but hopefully, he’ll be able to return to his highest potential next season.