For the first time this year, Chris Sale is making an appearance with the Boston Red Sox – and he has looked in top form so far.
The 33-year-old southpaw recorded his first strikeout in the second inning against Tampa Ray’s first baseman Ji-man Choi.
And let’s just say he made him look silly.
The start today marks Sale’s first MLB appearance since October against the Houston Astros when he surrendered two runs through 5.1 innings while striking out five.
The Lakeland, Florida native had been on the 60-day injury list with a stress fracture in his right rib since April 4.
Over four rehab starts, Sale recorded a 2.38 ERA.
However, he let out his frustrations in his most recent rehab start after he gave up five walks and struck out five.
“It was all just frustration,” Sale said of the incident. “I’ve gone months without walking five guys. Nothing’s wrong, I just have some things that I have to clean up.”
Sale is now returning to a club that is 47-40 and holds the top spot in the wild-card race in the American League.
However, the Red Sox trail the first-place New York Yankees by 14.5 games going into tonight.
So far, Sale has held the Rays scoreless through five innings with three strikeouts and a walk.
Sale in his MLB career holds a 3.03 ERA.
