Chris Sale exits Red Sox start early in predictably depressing development

Boston Red Sox ace Chris Sale exited the team’s game against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday after receiving multiple visits from trainers.

Recently, the Boston Red Sox have seen ace Chris Sale return to his old form. In his previous five starts, he picked up four wins, struck out 35 batters, and allowed just eight earned runs in 32.1 innings. Just when things were looking great for Sale, as the team contends in a tough AL East division, there is now reason to be concerned.

Sale started for Boston in Thursday night’s game against the Cincinnati Reds, but in the top of the fourth inning, he received a visit from manager Alex Cora and a member of the team’s training staff but remained in the game. But two pitches later,  Sale was visited once again by Cora and the training staff and exited the game. Justin Garza entered in relief.

Red Sox: Chris Sale exits start vs. Reds with an apparent injury

The visit occurred after Sale threw an 80.2 mph slider to Nick Senzel on a 2-1 count. His next two pitches, for those that are curious, were a 95.5 mph fastball and an 82.2 mph slider.

The Red Sox officially cited “shoulder soreness” as the reason Sale left his start.

In his limited showing on Thursday, Sale struck out six batters, issued one walk, and allowed one earned run on five hits. On the 59 pitches thrown, Sale threw 40 strikes.

On the year, Sale, recorded a 4.58 ERA, a 1.19 WHIP, 71 strikeouts, and 15 walks in 59.0 innings pitched (11 starts).

We will continue to keep you updated on Sale’s status once more details are provided by either the team or those at Fenway Park covering the game.

UPDATE (June 1): Alex Cora revealed after the game that Sale is set to undergo an MRI on his shoulder on Friday. Cora mentioned in his press conference that Sale’s velocity began dropping in the second inning.