Boston Red Sox news: Chris Sale ‘feeling strong,’; E-Rod good to go
With the MLB Trade Deadline approaching, the biggest trade the Boston Red Sox make could be the trade they don’t make.
If the team needs to strengthen their starting rotation, they have a reinforcement in Chris Sale buzzing his way through rehab starts and could be that added treasure they need going down the stretch.
As much as the Red Sox may not want to depend on a player coming off Tommy John surgery, they have to be excited about his progress through two rehab starts. After a strong first appearance for the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs, Sale struggled a little in his second rehab start on Sunday but battled through to strike out in 3 2/3 innings.
In giving up six hits and two earned runs, Sale faced some adversity early, but it’s how he responded that gives encouragement about his progress and eventual return to the big club.
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Overall, Sale was not happy about his early struggles, but was overall satisfied with the outcome. The team did win the game 6-5.
"“It was good. I don’t think I was quite as consistent with my pitches,” Sale said following the game, via MLB.com. “The last time when I would make a bad pitch or miss, I was on the corner or outside the zone – up or down or off the plate. Today, if I made a bad pitch it was just in the middle of the plate.”"
Boston Red Sox ace Chris Sale feeling strong
While the velocity is there, Sale’s fastest pitch reach 96 mph, the Boston Red Sox lefty does hope to sharpen his slider as his rehab tour continues with Triple-A Worcester Red Sox next weekend.
With Sale “feeling strong” from start to start, a couple of solid performances with the WooSox could certainly propel Sale back to the Major League level sooner rather than later, but Red Sox manager Alex Cora will continue to go slow in building his ace back to his top competitive level.
"“He’ll probably go two (innings) in the first one. It’s a lot different than just pitching down there. It’s not the big leagues, but it’s a real game. He’s going to be anxious. He’s going to be excited. The whole day is going to be different,” Cora said of Sale’s rehab stint in Worcester, via Masslive.com. “Probably two innings. From there, we’ll see where it takes us.”"
To avoid any setback both physically and mentally, this is the best approach by Cora. But, it’s hard not to get too excited about the buzz Chris Sale is creating this summer.
Eduardo Rodriguez good to go for Boston Red Sox
There is also good news when it comes to the health of Eduardo Rodriguez.
After an early exit in his last start against the New York Yankees due to migraine symptoms, the Boston Red Sox lefty isn’t expected to miss any extended period of time.
In fact, expect E-Rod on the mound for his next start against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park on Thursday.
"“Eddie is going to get his work in today and tomorrow,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Sunday, as transcribed by Masslive.com. “He’s starting on Thursday. He’s feeling better. So, everything is going to go according to plan.”"
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Fingers crossed, however, as Rodriguez is feeling physically ok, but migraines due have a way of resurfacing when least expected. The hope is that this won’t be a recurring issue for the Boston Red Sox starting pitcher.