Chris Sale has been hampered by injuries over the past few years. He formerly underwent Tommy John surgery but returned in 2021 to pitch for the Red Sox. Boston had high hopes for him in 2022, but Sale fractured his ribs prior to the season. His timetable remains fairly unclear.

However, Red Sox manager Alex Cora recently shared a highly encourage Chris Sale injury update. Cora's comments came after Sale threw a 15-pitch bullpen as part of his rehab process.

“He’s in good spirits. He liked what he saw,” Cora said. “This whole rehab stuff, sometimes it’s frustrating, but it seems like as soon as he got to the mound he’s in a better place. [Sale and pitching coordinator Wilater Miranda] both feel like [his ramp-up is] a lot different than last year as far as building up and his arm.”

A player's attitude can tell a lot about how they are truly feeling physically. The fact that Chris Sale “liked what he saw” is great news for the Red Sox.

The same article from Boston.com said that Sale will throw a 25-pitch bullpen later this week, and then another one next week depending on how Friday's session goes. The plan is for the left-hander to continue building strength. It might not be too long before Sale begins pitching in rehab games.

The Red Sox have begun to turn their season around and adding a 7-time All-Star like Chris Sale to the pitching staff would be a major upgrade to say the least.

It wouldn't be surprising if Boston had Sale return as a reliever. It will be interesting to see how Alex Cora and the Red Sox coaching staff decide to handle Sale upon his return.