For the majority of the 2021 season, the Red Sox have been without Chris Sale. In August, however, that has not been the case as Sale was activated from the injured list three weeks ago. The Red Sox ace has only made three starts but has gotten better with each outing. Over the last few weeks, Sale has reminded fans just how good he is.
When Sale took the mound on August 14th, it was his first start in the majors since 2019. In his return from Tommy John surgery, Sale has already made history. Through 15.1 innings of work, the Florida native has posted a 2.35 ERA and only allowed four hits. On Thursday night against the Twins, Sale threw the third immaculate inning of his career, joining Sandy Koufax as the only two pitchers in MLB history to accomplish the feat more than twice.
As the former first-round pick dazzled on Thursday night, he continued his impressive stretch. The 32-year-old has struck out 21 batters this season while only walking three. When Sale is on the mound, the Red Sox are a different team and have not lost this season. Although Boston has struggled in the second half, Sale has been a stabilizing presence over the last three weeks.
🚨 Chris Sale immaculate inning 🚨 pic.twitter.com/nXPmtASVzg
— MLB (@MLB) August 27, 2021
Additionally, Sale has pitched at least five innings in every outing this season. In that span, he has held opponents to a .228 average and allowed 13 hits. Although the former top prospect will be watched closely, he has been efficient while on the mound. In his latest outing, Sale’s intensity was on full display as he struck out eight Twins in 5.1 innings of work.
Sale continues to improve
With the playoffs on the horizon, Sale’s performance will be key. He is the leader of rotation and an elite pitcher when healthy. In his latest start, Sale was in vintage form as he continued to improve his mechanics. The lefty told the media, “Today was probably the best my mechanics have been start to finish. I really feel like I was staying on top of the baseball. ”
For the veteran starter, his next start will come on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays. It will be Sale’s toughest test of the season in a crucial series. However, with the Florida Gulf Coast product rounding into form, the Red Sox will be in a good position.
With the postseason on the horizon, the Red Sox will be looking to end their three-year playoff drought. Over the past two years, Sale’s return has been highly anticipated, and he has provided a much-needed boost.
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