Red Sox Provide Highly Encouraging Chris Sale Update Following MRI

The southpaw could return for a potential playoff push

Chris Sale, a seven-time All-Star, has clearly been missed as the Boston Red Sox's struggles have led to an under .500 record through 81 games.

After left-shoulder inflammation altered the course of Sale's season, some good news was announced in regard to the status of his injury.

"Chris Sale had an MRI today that cleared him to start throwing," The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey tweeted Thursday. "He threw at 60 feet today and is on an every-other-day schedule. (Sale) said he expected to be out six weeks but that he’s back after four is encouraging. Doesn’t have a timetable to return but will continue rehab in Boston."

Sale was off to a rocky start this year which led to a higher ERA than usual, but has since turned it around. He currently has a 4.58 ERA, 71-to-15 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .243 batting average against, and 1.19 WHIP in 59 innings pitched across 11 games on the season. In his last four starts, he posted a 1.90 ERA with a 26-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 23 2/3 innings.

Since Sale's injury on June 2, the Red Sox went on an 11-14 skid. With a loss to the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night marking the halfway point of the season, the southpaw's return could be in the midst of contending for a postseason berth if the team can pick things up after the All-Star Break.

Sale is not eligible to return until Aug. 1 at the earliest but likely will need a little more time to ramp up.

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