That sound you’ve heard coming from Boston the past several days has been the Red Sox brass and their fans on pins and needles.
Ace starter Chris Sale has been dealing with a left elbow injury. He just recently went on the injured list with elbow inflammation. Sale was expected to see world-renowned doctor James Andrews.
That has come to fruition. And it’s good news. Dr. Andrews confirms Sale’s original diagnosis of inflammation, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
The concern was that Sale might need Tommy John Surgery after feeling soreness in his elbow in a start less than a week ago. This isn’t the case.
Typically, a pitcher misses more than a calendar year after undergoing Tommy John Surgery. Sale’s absence won’t be anywhere near as long. Though, it’s not yet known when he’ll return to the bump.
The seven-time All-Star has had a bad 2019 season. He’s pitching to a 6-11 record with a 4.40 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 25 starts.
Boston heads into this week’s action with a 67-59 record and 6.5 games out of the final wild card spot in the American League. If the team were to fall further down in the standings before Sale’s return, it would not be a surprise if he were shut down for the remainder of the season.