5 Things to Know About Chris Sale

Chris Sale came with a lofty price tag and his expectations are even higher. With the 28-year-old set to make his Red Sox debut tonight at 7:10 p.m., here are “5 Things to Know” about Sale.

Sale was born and raised Lakeland, Florida and went onto attend Florida Gulf Coast University. FGCU is based on Fort Myers and is about a 15 minute drive down north to jetBlue Park.
Sale was originally drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 21st round of the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft, but opted to go to FGCU – where he racked up a 20-4 record and posted a 2.52 ERA. After declaring for the draft after a stellar junior season, he was selected by the Chicago White Sox as the 13th overall pick in 2010.
Sale began his MLB career as a relief pitcher for the first two seasons before making his first career start in 2012 against the Cleveland Indians. He hurled 6.2 innings, allowing three hits and striking out five to pick up the win.
The soutpaw mainly relies on a three-pitch repertoire which features a four-seam fastball that tops out at 94 miles per hour, a slider that crosses the plate at 79 miles per hour and a 92 mile per hour sinker. Sale also throws a circle change around 86 miles per hour, here and there.
The five-time All-Star owns a 1-1 record with a one save at Fenway Park since breaking into the league.