Chris Sale of the Boston Red Sox was placed on the injured list Friday with shoulder soreness, a day after leaving his start against the Cincinnati Reds in the fourth inning due to left shoulder soreness.
Chris Sale’s injury status has been updated
The Boston Red Sox finally broke out of their rut on Thursday night, defeating the Cincinnati Reds and preventing a sweep. However, it came at a cost: veteran left-hander Chris Sale was forced to leave the game due to left shoulder pain.
“I believe that’s the smart move,” manager Alex Cora said before Friday’s game. “Just put him on the IL and move forward. Obviously we hope that this is something that’s minor.”
Chris Sale exited today's game in the 4th inning with left shoulder soreness.
Alex Cora shared his thoughts. pic.twitter.com/VOBj7yYnf7
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 2, 2023
Cora stated that Sale was only experiencing shoulder pain and that the left-hander would undergo an MRI on Friday.
On Thursday, the Red Sox manager described some of the warning indicators he saw with the southpaw, one of which was that his velocity had dropped dramatically from typical levels.
Cora also admitted that pulling Sale wasn’t an easy choice, knowing how hard the left-hander has worked to stay healthy despite many setbacks.
Sale has had his fair share of physical troubles in recent seasons. He has missed more than 50 days in each of the last three seasons due to injuries ranging from Tommy John surgery to a fractured rib and a broken finger.
This season, Sale has made 11 starts. He had a 4.58 ERA (100 ERA+) and a 4.73 strikeout-to-walk ratio in those appearances. He posted a 2.42 ERA and 26 more strikeouts than walks in 26 innings in his four May appearances.
The Red Sox, who enter Friday with a 29-27 record in the American League East, have had an ever-changing rotation all season. They’ve moved Nick Pivetta and Corey Kluber to the bullpen in recent weeks, while welcoming younger starters Brayan Bello, Garrett Whitlock, and Tanner Houck.
Beginning on Friday, the Boston Red Sox will host the first-place Tampa Bay Rays for four games. On Saturday, there will be a doubleheader.
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