The Boston Red Sox finally got starting pitcher Chris Sale back on the mound Tuesday. It was his first start of the year after dealing with a right rib fracture he sustained prior to this season. The Red Sox then placed him on the 60-day injured list, forcing him to miss more than half the season.

Well, on Tuesday, he looked as good as he has in a couple of years in a Red Sox uniform. Sale pitched five scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and a walk while striking out five. Unfortunately, the Red Sox would blow his lead and lose to the Tampa Bay Rays, 3-2.

After the game, Sale talked about the start and how he is feeling.

When asked about being on a normal five-day routine, the former Cy Young winner had a candid response. “I'm not broken anymore… it's different this year.”

Chris Sale was among the best pitchers in baseball from 2011 through 2018. He helped Boston win the 2018 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. But it appeared that was all Sale had left in the tank. The big lefty has dealt with numerous arm and shoulder injuries over the last couple of seasons.

The amount of innings thrown, combined with the torque he puts on his shoulder (unlike a delivery anyone has seen), the best of Chris Sale was clearly behind him. He spent much of 2019 and 2020 struggling on the mound, when he was even able to pitch. His fastball was no longer even topping 93 miles per hour. He used to be able to reach 100 on the gun.

Well, on Tuesday, his fastball was consistently 95 and was able to hit 97 on the gun. That's a great sign that there is still something left in the future Hall of Famer's arm.