The Boston Red Sox are battling to stay in playoff contention in the American League and could use all the help they can get to do so. They got just that as tremendous news emerged about former All-Star starting pitcher Chris Sale.
Sale has been sidelined away from the team for over two months after landing on the IL with left shoulder inflammation. Given his lengthy injury history, many fans were uncertain of when or if he would be back this season.
He has been rehabbing the injury for the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox, and it seems like he is finally ready to return to the major league level. The Red Sox officially reinstated him from the 60-day Injured List on Friday.
The #RedSox today announced the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/ETM28FGxG0
— Red Sox (@RedSox) August 11, 2023
Fans will not even have to wait to see him take the mound, as he will be starting in their matchup on Friday against the Detroit Tigers.
Sale Day. pic.twitter.com/6jHBCFQRw5
— Red Sox (@RedSox) August 11, 2023
It couldn’t come at a more opportune time for the Red Sox as they sit four games outside of the final AL Wild Card spot. Fans are excited about the news and hope that he can be a difference-maker for the final stretch of the regular season.
Red Sox Nation, Chris Sale is back! 🔥
pic.twitter.com/FSwmpQJm7K— Boston Strong (@BostonStrong_34) August 11, 2023
Celebrating the return of Chris Sale with a look back at his finest moment in a Red Sox uni.pic.twitter.com/gZb6g1wQ5A
— Red (@SurvivingGrady) August 11, 2023
Chris Sale makes his return tonight against the Tigers
His last start was on June 1st pic.twitter.com/mTOsc8Jdge
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) August 11, 2023
After 71 days it is officially #SaleDay. Couldn’t come at a better time. Welcome back, Chris Sale.
— Tyler Duffy (@DuffyTyler_) August 11, 2023
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, it’s Chris Sale Day. pic.twitter.com/vLyzxxTydh
— Beyond the Monster (@BeyondtheMnstr) August 11, 2023
Sale certainly looked to be in dominant form in his final Triple-A start last week, recording seven strikeouts in 4.1 innings without allowing any runs.
Chris Sale looked flat-out dominant today in his second rehab start.
Attacked the zone: 0 BB, 7 K, 3 singles
53p, 38 strikes in 4.1 IP
Struck out 4 of the first 5 batters he faced, then 3 K’d of the last 5
FB velo a bit down from Tuesday (91-93). Another huge ovation in SYR pic.twitter.com/qCIuRKoN6Q
— Tyler Murray (@LT__Murray) August 6, 2023
The Red Sox will certainly hope that he can replicate this success in his start on Friday. Sale had a 4.58 ERA in 59 innings prior to his injury in June.
