Fans of Sox baseball know how dominant Chris Sale can be on the mound. In Chicago, the White Sox fans saw for seven years what he was capable of and that he was one of the game’s elite arms. And right after getting to Boston, he showed he was an elite arm by striking out 308 guys in his first season with the team. It was a big part of their success, and he also helped them to claim the 2018 World Series over Houston.
Of course, if you’re betting online, you’re going to be ready to go big on Sale. When he is healthy and out there, he is capable of being a great pitcher. It’s been a tough couple of seasons with only 11 starts in the past two campaigns, but the fresh return could spell good things for Boston.
Back Where He Began
It would not be surprising in the slightest if the version of Sale that the Red Sox get is an elite one. He was like that for a number of years, and every season from 2012-2018, he finished top six in the race for AL Cy Young.
There were a number of second-place finishes, but he could just never get over the hump and actually claim one of these titles. It was unfortunate but also a motivating factor for the ace.
When a team trades for a player of his caliber, it is usually to complement an incredible rotation or become the face of a new one that other guys can rely on and can become that alpha starter.
For multiple seasons he was him, the pitcher who could come in and lead by example. When you trade so many pieces for a single return item, it can, at times, ruin things within the clubhouse while also taking the team to a lower level than they were.
But in those two seasons, he was not human. With a 308 strikeout year in 2017, followed by a 12-4 record with a 2.11 ERA and 237 more K’s in 2018. It was clear that the team had struck and found a treasure among the diamonds.
The pitcher they had at the top of their rotation was one of MLB’s greatest to watch. Good things only come from there, right? Well… the last four seasons have not exactly gone according to plan, and we’re going to tell you why.
Slipping Into Mediocrity and Below
Sale in 2019 was able to start 25 games for the Sox. He wound up with a meager 6-11 record and an ERA of 4.40. He still made it through (most of) the year and had 28 K’s, but it was the beginning of the end, so it seemed. It could have just been one bad campaign, but it would not exactly go like that.
Injuries would keep Sale out of the game during the shortened 2020 season, and he would only start nine games in 2021. And the thing is, when he did eventually come back, he was 5-1 with a 3.16 ERA and 52 K’s against just 12 BB’s.
After missing all that time, he was still sort of looking like the Sale he had been from 2017-18. Perhaps good things can come, and the Red Sox will be able to turn it around.
But it didn’t happen like that, and he was held to just a pair of starts and less than six innings in 2022. Just like that, his season had come and gone, and it had been a complicated time in the Sox organization. A lot didn’t go well, and it was a year they most likely just wanted to forget. But now, he’s coming back and could give the rotation a serious lift.
Sale can still be that guy who heads up the rotation of a team with lofty aspirations. As long as they have Alex Cora as their manager, they will be able to make good decisions and remain in games. That’s what history has taught us since he led them to a title already.
Facing a Hot Team
Facing a hot team is always a challenge, but with the return of Chris Sale, the Boston Red Sox have reason to be optimistic. Sale’s skill and experience on the mound make him a valuable asset to the team, and his presence is sure to make an impact in the upcoming game against Baltimore. While the Orioles put on an impressive offensive display on Opening Day, Sale’s ability to read the batters and adjust his pitching strategy may be just what the Red Sox need to turn the game around. If Sale can maintain his health and continue to pitch at a high level, there’s no doubt that he could play a key role in helping the Red Sox succeed this season.
Conclusion
The return of Chris Sale to the Boston Red Sox has been a long-awaited and highly anticipated event for baseball fans. After missing most of the 2020 season due to injury, Sale’s comeback has been a key factor in the Red Sox’s success this season.
Sale’s return to the mound has been nothing short of impressive, with the pitcher showcasing his signature skills and setting new career milestones. His talent, experience, and leadership have been crucial in helping the Red Sox secure key victories and compete for a playoff spot.
Beyond his contributions to the team’s success, Sale’s return has also been significant for the sport of baseball as a whole. His presence on the field has made the league more competitive and exciting, and has helped to generate interest and engagement among fans.
Looking ahead, Sale’s return will be crucial in helping the Red Sox compete for a championship this season. With his talent and experience, Sale will undoubtedly play a key role in leading the team to success and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.
Overall, the return of Chris Sale has been a major event in the world of baseball, bringing excitement, skill, and leadership to the field. As the season continues, fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see what Sale and the Red Sox can achieve together.
