Boston Red Sox: Chris Sale’s DL stint shows team is planning for October

Boston Red Sox ace Chris Sale has been placed on the DL for the 2nd time this month, both for shoulder inflammation, but you shouldn’t be too concerned about Sale’s health.

While a pitcher being placed on the DL two times in a single month is always unsettling, sometimes its more about rest than the injury itself. The Boston Red Sox know Chris Sale is dealing with mild shoulder inflammation again, an injury that can be fought through if need be, but there is no need to risk it. Especially with other starting pitchers Eduardo Rodriquez and Steven Wright battling injuries.

With the Red Sox an astounding 88-39, and 8.0 games ahead of the New York Yankees for 1st place in the AL East, Boston has enough breathing room to put their ace on ice for 10 days. Here is what Chris Sale had to say about heading to the DL.

"“Obviously terrible timing, not exactly the most ideal situation. To be honest, quite miserable for me. But, at the same time, I’m not going to sit around and pout,” he said. “I’m going to keep my chin up. I’m on the best team that ever walked the planet. I’ve good teammates that have my back and I appreciate that.”More from Chowder and Champions3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster DeadlineMLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 SeasonRed Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win"

We all know Chris Sale is hungry for that illustrious Cy Young Award, he made it clear how miserable going on the DL can be. Sale knows being patient is the smartest option for him, and seems to be optimistic about his recovery.

"“We’ve done some strength stuff, some stretching, obviously treatment and stuff like that. It’s responding well to all of those, which is a good sign,” he said. “I have strength in there, stability. Like I said, it’s just time waiting for that inflammation to get out.”"

While Boston has the most talented team in the majors, they know injuries can derail any juggernaut.

To the surprise of on one, Chris Sale is leading the pack for the 2018 AL Cy Young Award. The 29-year-old Boston Red Sox starter has a record of 12-4 in 23 starts, with a 1.97 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, and 219 strikeouts. Sale going to the DL twice in a month won’t help his chances at winning this year’s AL Cy Young Award, but the rest should help his pitching come postseason.

While Boston has the hottest offense in baseball (Leads MLB in Runs Scored with 681), you need solid pitching to win in October. Sale dominated the 2017 regular season, going 17-8 with a 2.90 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 308 strikeouts; but stumbled in the postseason, going 0-2 with a an ERA of 8.38.

Injuries hurt Boston down the road in 2017, starting pitcher’s Steven Wright and David Price both dealt with injuries. Wright had season ending knee surgery, while Price dealt with bad elbow inflammation all season. With Price healthy this season, Sale knows they can be a deadly one-two punch.

Chris Sale knows he needs to dominate in the postseason if the Red Sox are to contend for a World Series Championship. That’s why Sale resting trumps trying to push through the pain to chase the AL Cy Young. Chris Sale would rather chase a World Series title.