The Boston Red Sox are gearing up to get pitcher Chris Sale back before the end of the 2021 season. His return could be the difference in the AL East.
It’s been a long wait to get Chris Sale back on the mound for Boston, but that wait is going to end by the end of the 2021 season.
The Red Sox pitcher is back with the team and throwing the bullpen for the first time in nearly two years as his recovery from Tommy John surgery continues.
As for whether he’ll be able to make a full return this season, he’s confident.
“Unless something crazy happens. I’ll be there soon enough,” Sale said, per Joon Lee of ESPN. “If it was up to me, I’d be starting tomorrow.”
It isn’t up to Sale, unfortunately. His body hasn’t exactly cooperated through the lengthy injury trouble.
The Red Sox getting Chris Sale back could be the boost they need in the AL East
It started in In August of 2019 when he struggled with elbow inflammation. Initially, surgery didn’t seem necessary, but the decision to go under the knife eventually came in March 2020. It’s been more than a year since then and Sale is still working his way back.
Manager Alex Cora is pleased with where Sale is mentally and physically, but he cautioned patience and discipline when it comes to his return.
The Red Sox could even have Sale serve as a reliever initially while he builds towards starting form, according to the team.
The big question is when exactly Boston could get Sale back. The bullpen session he threw on Tuesday was equivalent to what a pitcher might do in January, according to trainer Brad Pearson and pitching coach Dave Bush. He’s not likely to return by the All-Star break.
When he does make his long-awaited season debut, it could be the difference in the AL East, assuming his age hasn’t caught up to him in the meantime..
Boston is 37-24 and 1.5 games behind the Rays. They’ve made do with solid pitching from their rotation, but none of those pitchers can match the profile of Sale. He was a seven-time All-Star and consistent Cy Young candidate before the injury. If he reclaims that form, he will give the Red Sox an edge they need to contend.