The Boston Red Sox have been waiting for the return of Chris Sale. Somehow, someway, the Red Sox have shocked the nation and found a way to stay at the top of the American League East. Well, Sale got on the mound and is inching ever closer to a return and was “eye-opening”, according to manager Alex Cora.
Chris Sale was "eye-opening" today throwing live BP, according to Alex Cora. He will do so one more time in Fort Myers while the Red Sox are out West. Next step after that could be a rehab assignment.
— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) June 30, 2021
Sale has not pitched since 2019 when he posted a 12-22 record and a 4.40 ERA, a far cry from his previous seasons when he was heralded as one of the best pitchers in the league.
He threw his first simulated game earlier in the week and is progressing nicely to a return.
Chris Sale threw a simulated game against live hitters today 👀 pic.twitter.com/oidIvQfRNp
— MLB (@MLB) June 26, 2021
It has been a long road for Sale and with the Red Sox competing, they could potentially add him to their rotation just in time for the playoff hunt. He is set to begin his rehab assignments, making his return to the Red Sox imminent.
Alex Cora announces that Chris Sale will have one more simulated game next week in Fort Myers and will have his 1st rehab assignment after that.
— Boston Strong (@BostonStrong_34) June 30, 2021
After Sale underwent Tommy John surgery, nobody knew when he would make his return. However, it is right around the corner, and that certainly is not what fellow AL East fans want to hear. For the Red Sox, they will be thrilled to bring him back as they push for a division title.