With no known concerns over injuries, Chicago White Sox ace Chris Sale has been scratched from Saturday’s start against the Detroit Tigers.
As trade talks pick up around Chris Sale, #WhiteSox scratch him from tonight's start. Matt Albers will go instead.
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) July 23, 2016
With trade rumors swirling surrounding Sale, this is a rather interesting development. It was reported earlier in the month that Chicago rejected a “king’s ransom” offer for Sale. Though, the team is said to be in sellers mode leading up to the trade deadline early next month.
Considering the bounty the San Diego Padres received for Drew Pomeranz, it make sense that Chicago would at least entertain offers for Sale. And in reality, that appears to be the case. When we take into account the pitching issues some of American League’s top teams currently have, that’s magnified even further.
Sale, 27, is among the top contenders for the Cy Young this season. He leads the American League with 14 wins and has posted a 3.08 ERA to go with a solid 1.00 WHIP in 19 starts this season.
The official reasoning behind Chicago scratching Sale from his start is a tad fishy.
Chris Sale Has a Cold.
— jon greenberg (@jon_greenberg) July 23, 2016
We will definitely keep you updated if something were to break regarding Sale and a potential trade here soon.
For now, let’s assume that there’s something more than a simple cold forcing Sale from the bump Saturday evening.
