After spending well over a year on the sidelines, Boston Red Sox ace Chris Sale is itching the get back on the mound. And he’s confident he will scratch that itch before the 2021 MLB season wraps up.
Sale, who underwent Tommy John surgery in March last year, told reporters during a recent press conference that he “one hundred percent” expects to pitch this season.
“Unless something crazy happens,” Sale added. “I’ll be there soon enough.”
Despite saying that he would be “starting tomorrow” if it was up to him, Sale still has several bars to clear before suiting up for an MLB game. The 32-year-old slinger started working with the first team just recently and is currently taking part in the Red Sox’s bullpen sessions.
Sale is expected to continue with the same regime for at least 10 more days before making the next step and facing hitters. If everything checks out, he could then be heading to minors for a few starts before being able to experience his first MLB game since August 2019.
There’s still enough time for Sale to return to the majors this year as the regular season wraps up on October 3rd. There’s also a whole month of postseason action after, since the Red Sox are currently on track to make the playoffs.
Chris Sale made 84 starts for the Red Sox since coming to Boston in 2017. He made one All-Star appearance during that time while posting a 35-23 record with 3.08 ERA and 763 strikeouts.
