One of the biggest topics over the last month for Boston fans has been the recovery of Chris Sale. The lefty had been participating in rehab starts in the Boston farm system. Now, he is set to make a return. Sale will throw his first pitch in the MLB in two years against the Orioles on Saturday.
A Long Time Coming
Sale has easily been probably the best pitcher the Red Sox have had this decade. This throwing ability has absolutely been missed. One of the biggest issues Boston has had in Sale’s long absence has been pitching. Getting Sale back will significantly improve the starting rotation on the Red Sox.
Sale has posted 35 wins in total with the Red Sox. Now he hopes to add even more to that total. Of course there is also the question of will Sale be the same as he was before his surgery. Thankfully though, his strong performances in his rehab games show that he is the same Chris Sale that makes batters look silly.
Talking About The Red Sox Slump Again
Chris Sale’s rehab has not been the only thing Red Sox fans have had on their mind this month. Just about every news outlet has talked about the Red Sox post-All-Star slump to death. It almost seems as though this slump will not end though. The Red Sox have continued to have tough loss after tough loss. Not exactly great for a team’s confidence.
Sale coming back though easily could be a boost for the team. He is easily one of the more prominent leaders in the Red Sox’s clubhouse. One of the most competitive players on the field, Sale is not afraid to fire up his teammates. While Sale is just one player, his presence easily could help to shift confidence back into Boston’s favor.
Who Will Sale Replace In The Rotation?
There is an obvious choice for the pitcher Sale will replace in Boston’s rotation. Garrett Richards has had some decent outings in 2021, but he has put up an ERA of 5.22. That is the highest among the Red Sox’s starters. Now Richards has not exactly been bad, but he certainly also has not been very good.
Richards will most likely now either enter the Boston bullpen or he will just ride the bench. While he probably would want to remain in the line up, Richards really has not proven that he deserves it over any other pitcher on Boston. But if Richards is a team player, he too should be glad to see Sale back. Even if he is taken his spot.
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