3 Boston Red Sox to blame for awful AL East start

Red Sox to blame: Chris Sale

Chris Sale has the highest ERA in the major leagues at 11.25. Somehow, the Red Sox are 2-1 in his three starts, but he’s been bailed out in nearly all of them. Sale’s fall from grace continues, and his days as an ace are long behind him.

The advanced stats agree with me, as Sale’s hard-hit rate is the highest of his career, and he’s throwing lest fastballs than ever before due to his decrease in velocity. He’s already given up five home runs as well.

“I think if you look at any of my outings, I’ve got a three-inning outing with seven runs, I’ve got a four-inning outing with six runs, and a five-inning outing with three runs,” Sale said, per MLB.com. “I had to get bailed out at all times. And, the one time we lost is the day I sucked the most. So, I’m not going to sit here and make excuses. I’ve just got to get better. That’s what I’m here for.”

The Sox rotation depth is a weakness of theirs, so don’t expect Sale in the bullpen anytime soon. He remains confident, but this Boston staff needs him now more than ever.

“[I have] all the confidence,” said Sale. “That’s who I am. I’m going to continue to work. I’m going to continue to grind. Just got to figure it out before someone else does first.”