Boston Red Sox: Chris Sale officially the hype story of 2021
With the Boston Red Sox on top of the American League East this deep into the 2021 MLB season, there is plenty to be hyped about, especially with the way the team has been winning games with contributions from unexpected places.
Some of those unexpected performances have come from the starting rotation, which is in line to see a major boost within the next few weeks or so. No, I’m not talking about the MLB Trade Deadline, the biggest acquisition is already on the roster. His name is Chris Sale.
The tall, lanky flamethrower, who is eager to return this season following Tommy John surgery, took a major step in that direction Tuesday night during a rehab start for the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs.
Boston Red Sox ace Chris Sale heightens the hype with rehab start
More from Chowder and Champions
- 3 Patriots on the Bubble Who Have Clinched Their 53-Man Roster Spots
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
How did Sale look during his rehab start?
Well, he looked like he did when he was dominating batters at the Major League level. In facing 12 batters over 3 2/3 innings, Sale gave up no hits while striking out six and walking just one. No, these were not major league hitters, but it’s not who he faced, its more how he looked.
With his velocity reaching 97 mph, the Red Sox hurler was happy about his rehab outing.
"“It was a good day, definitely a step in the right direction,” Sale said, via MLB.com. “I felt good throughout the entire game. Even in the third and fourth inning, I felt like I was able to create some arm speed and make pitches when I needed to, which at this stage in the game is key.”"
Obviously, Sale is not just focused on his physical ability in returning from the surgery, he is also focused on his mindset. He is set on making sure he has more consistency within his delivery and making sure he is still the same guy on the mound mentally as he was when he was an absolute force at the Major League level.
What Chris Sale would add to the Boston Red Sox
There is still cause to pause when it comes to Chris Sale returning in 2021. First, there is always a chance of a setback. But the team and the player himself have to be careful about rushing back too fast.
With the team sitting at 57-38 on top of the A.L. East, Sale is anxious to help his team going down the stretch. If he continues at this pace in his rehab, he would be a great boost to the pitching staff.
Whether an end of the rotation starter or helping the team while working out of the bullpen, just his presence will be a Red Sox injection of confidence. In watching his team all season long, Sale is willing to just help in any way possible, which is actually the best approach.
"“For me, being able to sit back and watch what these guys have done, carrying weight, I’m not coming in to save anything,” Sale said. “I’m not coming in to do anything. I’m just doing what I do and helping the team. They’ve done this for the bulk of the year up ‘til now, and they’ve held it down really well in every aspect. I’m just looking to keep the ball rolling.”"
Next. Boston Red Sox Rumors: 3 Marlins players to target at MLB Trade Deadline. dark
With an All-Star in Nathan Eovaldi, a former 19-game winner finding his groove in Eduardo Rodriguez, adding Chris Sale to the mix that include Nick Pivetta and Tanner Houck (eventually) should give the Boston Red Sox a solid rotation, even if they take it easy with Sale.