Chris Sale Injury News & Updates

Sale (6-5) took the loss Thursday, allowing one run on three hits and one walk over five innings against the Orioles. He struck out two.

While Sale logged his fewest strikeouts in 15 starts, he limited the Orioles to just one run, which came via an Anthony Santander homer in the first. The veteran southpaw showed signs of encouragement in 2023 after making just 11 starts in the last two years, going 102 innings over 20 appearances with the Red Sox this season. He finished the campaign strongly, allowing one or no runs in four of his final five starts.

Sale came away with a no-decision in Friday's 3-2 win over the White Sox, allowing three hits and a walk over five scoreless innings. He struck out seven.

The veteran southpaw put together another strong outing, but Sale left the mound in line for his fifth loss of the year before Boston rallied in the eighth inning. Since returning from the IL in mid-August, he has a 4.19 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 52:13 K:BB through 38.2 innings, but just one win in eight starts to show for it. Sale figures to take the mound one more time in 2023, on the road next week in Baltimore.

Sale did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing one run on two hits and two walks over six innings against Toronto. He struck out 10.

Sale shut down the Blue Jays for most of the afternoon and didn't allow a run until Vladimir Guerrero took him deep for a solo shot to lead off the bottom of the seventh. It was the lefty's first start since May 20 in which he went at least six innings while it marked his third time this season with 10 or more strikeouts. Sale has now given up two or fewer runs in eight of his last 11 starts and has surrendered only two hits in two of his last three. On the downside, he's also issued two walks in four consecutive outings.

Sale's next scheduled start will come Saturday against the Blue Jays, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Sale was set to take the ball Thursday against the Yankees, but he has not been particularly sharp in recent weeks, so he will get a couple extra days to rest before getting back up on the bump. It remains to be seen who will start Thursday in Sale's place.

Sale (6-4) took the loss Saturday, allowing seven runs on six hits and two walks over four innings against Baltimore. He struck out five.

The veteran lefty was plagued by the long ball, serving up a three-run homer to Aaron Hicks in the second inning and a two-run shot to James McCann in the fourth. Sale had been solid in his previous five starts after returning from injury Aug. 11, posting a 4.18 ERA and 1.10 WHIP while looking like his old self in the strikeout department with 11.4 K/9 across 23.2 innings during that span. However, Saturday's poor effort raised the southpaw's season-long ERA to 4.88, the highest of his 13-year career. Sale will aim to regain his form in his next outing, tentatively scheduled against the Yankees at home next week.

Sale (6-3) earned the win Sunday, allowing two hits and two walks over five scoreless innings against Kansas City. He struck out five.

Though Sale was unable to go deep enough to claim a quality start, he managed to pick up his fifth win of the season after holding the Royals scoreless across five frames. The outing was a strong bounce-back performance for the veteran after surrendering seven runs across his previous two starts (9.2 innings). Sale will look to keep the ball rolling in his next appearance, which is tentatively scheduled to come during a three-game home series against the Orioles this weekend.

Sale allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks over 4.2 innings in Monday's loss to Houston. He struck out six and did not factor in the decision.

Sale failed to complete five innings for the third time since returning from the injured list Aug. 11. During that span, he's registered a 5.30 ERA across 18.2 frames in four starts. He's now sporting a 4.75 ERA with a 96:21 K:BB through 15 outings. Sale's next start is lined up to be in Kansas City this weekend.

Sale allowed four runs on six hits and a walk while striking out nine over five innings in a no-decision versus the Astros on Wednesday.

Sale built up to 80 pitches (53 strikes) in his third start back from a shoulder injury. While the surface numbers were unimpressive -- though also against the toughest opponent he's faced since his return -- his velocity rebounded to an average of 93.9 mph on his fastball after it sat at 91.8 mph last Thursday. The southpaw is at a 4.68 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 90:19 K:BB through 73 innings across 14 starts this season, and his pitch count Wednesday suggests he's close to shedding any workload restrictions. His next projected start is expected to be a rematch with the Astros at home early next week.

Sale averaged 91.8 mph on his fastball Thursday, down significantly from the 94.5 mph he flashed in his first start off the injured list last Friday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Neither Sale nor manager Alex Cora were overly concerned. The pitcher was pleased he was able to fight through the diminished velo and made pitches when he had to. The left-hander wasn't fully built up when he started last week and was pulled after 58 pitches. On Thursday, he got up to 65 pitches when Cora pulled him in the fifth inning after Sale gave up a pair of walks.

Sale (5-3) took the loss Thursday, allowing three runs (two earned) on two hits and three walks over 4.1 innings against the Nationals. He struck out three.

After walking Jeter Downs to open the inning, Sale was plagued by two fielding errors from his defense in the bottom of the third, which would lead to the first run coming across for the Nationals. The veteran lefty would then be relieved by Josh Winckowski with one out in the fifth, after issuing two walks to begin the frame. It's been a tough go for Sale this season as he's failed to make it through five innings in either of his last three starts, dating back to June 1. On a positive note, he has not allowed more than two hits in either of his two starts since returning from the shoulder injury.

Sale allowed two runs on one hit over 4.2 innings in Friday's win over Detroit. He struck out seven and did not factor in the decision.

Sale looked strong in his first start since June 1, tossing four shutout frames before the Tigers broke through in the fifth inning. He threw 42 of 58 pitches for strikes, including 12 whiffs. Over his last seven starts, the 34-year-old southpaw has posted a 2.43 ERA with a terrific 48:5 K:BB across 40.2 frames. Sale should have a longer leash in his next start, which is lined up to be next week in Washington.

Sale (shoulder) was activated from the 60-day injured list Friday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Sale will make his long-awaited return to the Red Sox' rotation on Friday against the Tigers following a two-month absence due to a stress reaction in his left scapula. The veteran left-hander threw just 54 pitches in his second of two rehab starts with Triple-A Worcester and is expected to be limited to around four innings against Detroit, so fantasy managers would be wise to wait to activate him, if possible.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Sale (shoulder) will be limited to around four innings in his return to the rotation Friday versus the Tigers, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Sale has been out since early June due to a stress reaction in his left scapula and only threw 35 and 54 pitches, respectively, in his two rehab starts with Triple-A Worcester. He looked sharp during that stint on the farm, though, tallying 10 strikeouts across 6.1 scoreless frames. The 34-year-old southpaw will have to continue building up on the fly, but he can maybe help Boston attempt to stage a late charge in the AL Wild Card standings.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Sale (shoulder) will likely be activated from the 60-day injured list to start Friday's game against the Tigers at Fenway Park, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Sale built up to just 53 pitches over his two rehab starts with Triple-A Worcester, but the Red Sox won't have the veteran southpaw waste any more bullets in the minors after he was electric in his most recent outing Sunday, when he struck out seven and walked none over 4.1 scoreless frames. Since he's not yet fully stretched out for a traditional starting role, Sale could be capped at around 70-to-80 pitches Friday and may be deployed in tandem with another pitcher, but he could still have a long enough of a leash to hit the five innings he needs to qualify for a win. Sale's upcoming start outing will be his first with the Red Sox since June 1 after a two-plus-month recovery from a stress reaction in his left scupla.

Sale (shoulder) threw 53 pitches over 4.1 scoreless innings during his rehab start with Triple-A Worcester on Sunday, Sean McAdam of The Springfield Republican reports.

The veteran left-hander threw 40 pitches across two frames during his first rehab outing last week, and he continued ramping up his workload Sunday. The Red Sox haven't officially indicated when Sale will rejoin the big-league rotation, but he could do so as early as next weekend against the Tigers.

Sale (shoulder) is scheduled to make his next rehab start Sunday, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Sale battled some command issues in his rehab debut Tuesday with Triple-A Worcester, yielding two walks over two innings, but he gave up only one hit and didn't allow a run while striking out three of the nine batters he faced from the Triple-A affiliate of the Mets. Out since early June due to a stress reaction in his left scapula, the veteran left-hander is tracking toward a return to the Red Sox rotation around the weekend of Aug. 11-13.

Sale (shoulder) allowed one hit, walked two and struck out three over two innings for Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday, Lauren Campbell and Sean McAdam of MassLive.com report.

Sale threw 40 pitches, only 26 for strikes, in his first game action since June 1. "He was all over the place, with (a few) walks," manager Alex Cora said. "But he feels good about his mechanics, feels good about his arm. Now it's a matter of harnessing the stuff in the strike zone." The left-hander's fastball reached 96 mph, and he was encouraged by some aspects of his performance. "Obviously, had a couple walks. But, for the most part I was mainly around the zone," Sale said. He'll work on whatever issues led to the high number of balls and two walks ahead of his next rehab start for the WooSox on Sunday.

Sale (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Sale is scheduled to pitch three innings for the WooSox, then make a second rehab start the following Sunday. At that point the Red Sox will reassess the left-hander and decide on the next step. It's possible Sale could rejoin Boston's rotation as soon as the team's series against the Tigers, which begins Friday, Aug. 11. Red Sox manager Alex Cora previously stated the club is considering bringing Sale back before he's completely built up. If he does return for the series with the Tigers, Sale could be used as an opener who would go three or four innings, then pitch deeper into games as he builds arm strength.

Sale (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday if he gets through Thursday's live batting practice session with no issues, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

The live BP session will come after Sale completed another bullpen session over the weekend. The Red Sox have discussed the possibility of bringing the left-hander back early and have him get built back up at the big-league level, so it's possible he could make just the one rehab start. Sale has been out since early June with a stress reaction in his left scapula.

Sale (shoulder) could be ready to begin a rehab assignment next week, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Sale will throw an up-and-down bullpen session Thursday at Triple-A Worcester and, assuming that goes well, he could be cleared to start pitching in rehab games next. McCaffrey notes that the Red Sox are considering bringing Sale back from the injured list early and having him build up his stamina while in the majors. Sale is eligible for activation on August 1, but it seems as if he would need at least a few more days than that. He's been out since early June with a stress reaction in his left scapula.

Sale (shoulder) will throw another bullpen session this weekend, Mike Monaco of ESPN reports.

He threw his first bullpen session Tuesday since going down with a stress reaction in his left scapula. Sale will likely need two live batting practices after that before eventually progressing to a rehab assignment. The veteran left-hander is tracking toward a return to the Red Sox' rotation by early August, although he still has some hoops to jump through in order for that to happen.

Sale (shoulder) will throw his first bullpen session Tuesday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

This will mark his first time throwing off a mound since the night he got injured June 1. Sale has been throwing off flat ground every other day and is tracking toward a possible return in early-August.

Sale (shoulder) is on an every-other-day throwing program and is feeling good, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Sale was first cleared to resume throwing last Thursday and has tossed a couple more times since then. He's working his way back from a stress reaction in his left scapula and isn't eligible for activation for another month, but things are moving in the right direction, slowly but surely.

Sale (shoulder) was cleared to begin a throwing program Thursday after getting good results from an MRI, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Sale is just three weeks removed from being diagnosed with a stress reaction in his left scapula, but he's pain-free and able to pick up a ball again. The left-hander will now start the slow build-up process toward a return to the mound, which the Red Sox hope can come in early August when he's first eligible to be activated from the 60-day IL.

Sale will undergo an MRI on his left shoulder Thursday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Sale was diagnosed Friday with a stress reaction in his left scapula, and the imaging will help determine the severity of the injury. The left-handed hurler is currently on the 60-day injured list and he isn't eligible to return until the early portion of August, but a more concrete timeline should be available after the results of the MRI are made public.

Sale has been diagnosed with a stress reaction in his left scapula, Sean McAdam reports.

The scapula -- which is more commonly referred to as the shoulder blade -- will not require surgery, but Sale will be shut down for at least 3-to-4 weeks as he receives ample rest. It's why the veteran southpaw was transferred to the 60-day injured list earlier Friday, a move when means he won't be eligible for activation until August 2.

Sale (shoulder) was transferred to the 60-day injured list by the Red Sox on Friday, Sean McAdam of The Springfield Republican reports.

Manager Alex Cora had expressed hope a week ago that Sale's left shoulder injury was minor, but clearly it's more serious than originally expected. The southpaw now won't be eligible to return from the IL until early August.

Sale was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday with left shoulder inflammation, Tom Caron of NESN reports.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora confirmed the news of the IL stint on NESN's pregame coverage while expressing hope that it's only a "minor" issue. Sale was pulled from his start Thursday night against the Reds after feeling discomfort in his left shoulder in the top of the fourth inning. He underwent an MRI on Friday that apparently showed no major structural damage, though it sounds like the situation is still being evaluated. Corey Kluber is back from paternity leave and will presumably take over the vacant spot in Boston's rotation.

Sale will undergo an MRI on his left shoulder Friday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Sale was pulled from Thursday's game against Cincinnati due to shoulder soreness and experienced a drop in velocity during his start. The results of his MRI will provide an idea of how long he could be out for, but early signs are concerning. The 34-year-old southpaw held a 2.25 ERA and 0.75 ERA across his last five starts entering Thursday.

Sale was pulled from Thursday's game against Cincinnati due to left shoulder soreness, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The severity of Sale's injury remains unknown, but his shoulder has now been confirmed to be the reason for his early exit. It's possible Sale spends time on the injured list, but he will likely undergo some imaging before any decision is made.

Sale was lifted from Thursday's game against the Reds with an apparent injury, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Sale was visited on the mound by trainers twice during the fourth inning before eventually being pulled. Not much is known regarding the specifics of his injury, but more information will likely be provided relatively soon.

Sale (5-2) allowed a run on four hits and a walk while striking out three over five innings to earn the win Friday over the Diamondbacks.

Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports Sale had been dealing with a previously unreported stomach bug this week, which explains why he was limited to 73 pitches (44 strikes). While it wasn't a long outing, it was effective, marking he fourth time he's limited an opponent to one run this season. The veteran southpaw has trimmed his ERA to 4.72 with a 1.16 WHIP and 65:14 K:BB through 55.1 innings over 10 starts. He should be back to normal by the time he next takes the mound, which is tentatively scheduled for a home start versus the Reds next week.

Sale (4-2) earned the win Saturday over the Padres, allowing two runs on three hits and a walk while striking out eight over seven innings.

Sale put in his fourth straight quality start, and the three hits allowed matched his season low. Two of those hits were home runs, but they were solo shots by Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis. Just nine starts into 2023, Sale has already covered more innings (50.1) than he did in the three previous years combined (48.1). He's starting to look more like his past self, as Saturday's outing lowered his season ERA to 5.01 with a 1.17 WHIP and 62:13 K:BB. He'll look to keep rolling in a projected road start versus Arizona next week.

Sale did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing one run on three hits and one walk over eight innings against St. Louis. He struck out nine.

Sale turned back the clock Saturday, giving up one run across eight innings while approaching his season high in strikeouts (11). The lone blemish for Sale came in the seventh frame, where Nolan Arenado tagged him for a solo home run. However, Sale's chances for a victory were ruined by Kenley Jansen, who walked a trio of batters and blew a 3-1 lead in the top of the ninth inning. Though Sale holds a 5.40 ERA, which would be a career-high, he has provided fantasy managers with a high strikeout rate (11.3 K/9) to offset the struggles with damage control.

Sale (3-2) earned the win Friday, allowing three runs on seven hits and one walk over six innings during a 5-3 victory over the Phillies. He struck out 10.

Sale has allowed five or more runs in three of his seven outings this season, but he also has three quality starts and two games with double-digit strikeouts. The left-hander's 6.37 ERA remains inflated due to the seven runs he allowed in his first appearance of the year, but he's surrendered just four runs over his past 12.1 innings and earned the win in back-to-back starts. Sale will look to stay sharp next time out, which is tentatively scheduled for a three-game weekend set versus the Cardinals.

Sale (2-2) earned the win Sunday, allowing one run on three hits over 6.1 innings against the Guardians. He struck out five.

It was an encouraging performance from Sale after he allowed seven runs in three innings in his last outing against Baltimore. The veteran left-hander kept the Guardians off the board until Amed Rosario's RBI single in the sixth inning. Sale's ERA still sits at an unsightly 6.75 with a 1.47 WHIP and 35:10 K:BB. He'll look to build on Sunday's positive outing in his next start, tentatively lined up for next week in Philadelphia.

Sale (1-2) took the loss Monday as Boston was downed 5-4 by Baltimore, surrendering five runs on nine hits and a walk over five innings without striking out a batter.

While the veteran lefty did keep the ball in the park, four of the O's hits went for doubles as Sale gave up plenty of loud contact after being staked to an early 4-0 lead. He also wasn't fooling anyone, as he managed a paltry two swinging strikes among his 83 pitches. Sale has only one quality start through his first five outings of the season and has yet to string together back-to-back solid performances, saddling him with an 8.22 ERA and 1.74 WHIP despite a 30:10 K:BB through 23 innings. He'll try to turn things around his next time out, which is likely to come at home this weekend against the Guardians.

Sale allowed one run on three hits and two walks while striking out 11 over six innings against the Twins on Tuesday. He did not factor into the decision.

Sale turned back the clock in Tuesday's outing, recording 10+ strikeouts for the first time since August 13, 2019. His command was present throughout his whole start. He had all his pitches working very effectively, as he generated 19 whiffs, and was even still touching 96 MPH with his fastball in the sixth inning. Sale seems to have shaken off the early season rust after allowing 16 runs in 12 innings over his first three starts of the year. It was a vintage performance from the 34-year-old, and fantasy managers who remained patient were certainly rewarded. Sale now possesses an 8.00 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and 30:9 K:BB and is currently lined up to face the Orioles next week.

Sale's next start will come Tuesday against the Twins, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

With Brayan Bello (forearm) ready to return from the injured list Monday, the Red Sox have elected to give Sale an extra day of rest. The veteran left-hander could probably use an extra day to work on things, as he'll carry an 11.25 ERA into next week's matchup versus Minnesota.

Sale (1-1) took the loss Wednesday to the Rays, allowing five runs on seven hits with two walks over four innings. He struck out six.

Sale showed promise in his previous outing but took another step backward in his third start of the season. The 34-year-old lefty allowed a three-run blast to Randy Arozarena in the first inning and gave up two more earned runs before exiting in the fifth. Sale's lack of command has been noticeable, as he has given up 15 runs in just 12 innings this year. He will need to make significant improvements to get back on track and has the opportunity to do so in his next start, scheduled tentatively for this weekend against the Angels.

Sale (1-0) allowed three earned runs on four hits and three walks while striking out seven across five innings to earn the win Thursday against the Tigers.

Sale looked to be in for a poor outing after serving up a two-run homer in the second inning and surrendering an additional run one frame later. However, he closed the outing well and picked up 10 swinging strikes across 74 total pitches to go along with six groundball outs. Sale wasn't dominant, but the effort was a significant step forward for the seven earned runs he allowed in his initial outing of the new campaign.

Sale allowed seven runs while completing three innings of work during Saturday's start against the Orioles.

Sale did strike out six, but he allowed two walks and gave up three home runs in the contest. He gave up two roundtrippers to Ryan Mountcastle and Austin Hays in the first, and another in the third to Cedric Mullins. It's a disappointing first outing for Sale that showed that he can still miss bats, but the command was well below-average for the former Cy Young winner. He'll get a chance to rebound next weekend against the Tigers in Detroit.

Sale allowed six runs on nine hits and one walk while striking out two over five innings in Tuesday's spring start against the Orioles.

Sale, making his third Grapefruit League start, allowed a pair of first-inning home runs and didn't have command of his slider, but the left-hander bumped his pitch count to 70, was sitting mid-90s with his fastball, and got acclimated to working with traffic on the bases. Sale will make one more before breaking camp with the Red Sox for the first time since 2019. He'll start the second game of the season against Baltimore.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora confirmed Wednesday that Sale will start the second game of the regular season, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Corey Kluber will get the Opening Day nod on Thursday, March 30 against the visiting Orioles and then Sale will take his turn that Saturday versus Baltimore. The 33-year-old left-hander has logged only 11 total major-league starts since the end of the 2019 campaign, but he's shown pretty well this spring with nine strikeouts and only one walk through 10 innings of Grapefruit League action. Most importantly, he finally carries a clean bill of health.

Sale allowed one hit and struck out five over three scoreless innings in Saturday's start against the Twins.

Sale, who made his second Grapefruit League start, reached 95 mph on his fastball, per Julian McWilliams of the Boston Globe, and has looked every bit the ace of a staff. He hit 96 mph in his first outing. The left-hander's struck out seven over five scoreless spring innings. Despite looking like a staff ace, Sale is not expected to take the ball Opening Day, as Corey Kluber's spring routine has him lined up for that honor. Sale will next pitch four innings on the back fields Thursday, according to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora announced Sunday that Sale won't pitch on Opening Day against the Orioles, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Cora says that the plan all along was for Sale not to get the nod for the opener, and that there's a "good chance" that Corey Kluber will instead get that honor against Baltimore. Sale has battled injuries over the past few seasons, and it sounds like Boston will give their presumed ace a few more days of rest before he opens the season, although there's no plan yet as to when he'll make his 2023 debut. Sale offers significant fantasy reward with his ability to miss bats, but there's plenty of risk based on his lack of action in the 2020-2022 seasons.

Sale (wrist) is officially scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut Monday, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

Sale threw another successful live batting practice session Wednesday morning in Red Sox camp and is now ready for a taste of real competition. The 33-year-old left-hander was limited to 5.2 major-league innings (two starts) last season due to a range of different injuries, but he entered this spring with zero limitations and might just be ready to return to ace-like status in 2023.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Wednesday that Sale (wrist) is in line to make his Grapefruit League debut early next week, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Cora's comments came before Sale completed another live batting practice session Wednesday, with Abraham noting that the southpaw tossed two innings and 43 pitches during the workout. Assuming Sale experiences no complications coming out of throwing live batting practice, he could be cleared to cover around two or three innings in his first Grapefruit League start. Sale reported to spring training with no restrictions, but the Red Sox have nonetheless chosen to take things slowly with the prized lefty after he made just two starts in 2022 while missing time with a stress fracture in his rib cage, a broken finger and right wrist surgery. Even so, Sale will be ready to go for Opening Day so long as he avoids any setbacks in his handful of spring outings.

Sale (wrist) threw a simulated inning against live batters Saturday and came away with no issues, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Sale threw 23 pitches and avoided hard contact. He said there was command issues in one at-bat, but Sale was largely pleased with the results, particularly the shape of his breaking ball. The lanky left-hander was limited to two starts last year amid a number of injuries. He returned from Tommy John elbow surgery before sustaining a rib injury during a bullpen session in February. That was followed by a broken pinkie finger against the Yankees in July then a wrist injury suffered in an August bicycle accident. Next up for Sale is a two-inning live bullpen session Thursday before making his spring debut after that.

Sale (wrist) is tentatively scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut March 7 against the Braves, Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe reports.

Sale first needs to check a few more boxes, most notably a one-inning live batting practice session this Saturday and then a two-inning live BP round next Thursday. The 33-year-old left-hander logged only 5.2 major-league innings in 2022 due to a fractured wrist, a fractured finger and a stress reaction in his ribcage, but the early reports from Red Sox camp have all been encouraging. He could wind up being a big-time value pick in early fantasy drafts for 2023.

Sale (wrist) will throw live batting practice Saturday, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports.

Sale threw another bullpen session Tuesday and will face hitters for the first time in camp this weekend. The veteran left-hander missed most of the 2022 season with a stress fracture in his ribcage, a fractured finger and a fractured wrist, but all appears to be good with Sale so far this spring. It's not clear when he might make his Grapefruit League debut, but the expectation is that he'll be ready for Opening Day.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Wednesday that it's "realistic" that Sale (wrist) will be ready to go for Opening Day, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports.

Cora's comments came after Sale threw his first bullpen session of the spring Wednesday and apparently checked out fine. Sale, who is scheduled to throw another side session Saturday, looks as though he'll be going through a relatively normal throwing progression this spring, despite ending the 2022 campaign on the shelf due to a fractured right wrist that he had surgically repaired. The Red Sox are still likely to proceed cautiously with the southpaw this spring due to his injury history and veteran status, so he may not immediately be worked into Grapefruit League rotation like some of the other pitchers who are competing for roster spots and/or starting roles in camp.

Following a bullpen session Wednesday, Sale (wrist) is expected to throw a second one Saturday before facing hitters next week, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Sale is starting up early in what is being described as a "normal spring," something the left-hander hasn't experienced since 2019. Injuries have limited him to just 11 starts since then. If he remains healthy this spring, the 33-yearold Sale is expected to be Boston's No. 1 starter.

Sale (wrist) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Wednesday in Red Sox camp, Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe reports.

Abraham notes that this will be the first "normal spring" for Sale in the last 3-4 years. The left-hander missed the first half of the 2022 season due to a stress fracture in his ribcage and then suffered a broken wrist in a bicycle accident in August, ultimately logging just two total appearances for Boston. But both of those injuries are now in the rearview and he'll be looking to return to top-flight form in 2023.

Sale (wrist) has begun throwing off the mound,Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Sale broke his wrist in a bicycling accident in August, and was limited to just two appearances in the 2022 season. The left-hander has dealt with injuries over the few years, but if healthy, still offers the potential to miss bats when on the mound.

Sale (wrist) opted into the final two years of his five-year, $145 million contract Tuesday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

If Sale had been healthy over the first few years of his deal, he may have decided to head back to the open market ahead of his age-34 season, but he simply hasn't been able to stay on the field. He's only made 11 total starts through the first three years of his contract, with Tommy John surgery wiping out all of his 2020 season and most of 2021 before a series of injuries limited him to just two outings in 2022. He's expected to be recovered from wrist surgery (on his non-throwing arm) by spring training and will hope to be a much more significant contributor next season.

Sale (wrist) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Saturday.

The transaction has no bearing on Sale's return timeline, as he's already been ruled out for the year after breaking his wrist in a bicycle accident. The move clears space on the 40-man roster for Boston to select Jeurys Familia's contract.

The Red Sox announced that Sale (finger) underwent season-ending surgery Monday to repair a fractured right wrist, which he suffered in a bicycle accident over the weekend. The team expects him to be a full participant for the start of spring training.

The broken wrist is the latest in a growing list of long-term, arm-related injuries for Sale, whose availability for the remainder of the 2022 campaign had already been in question after he underwent surgery July 18 to repair a broken left pinkie finger. Sale's rehab for the broken wrist now becomes the more pressing concern, but if there's any positive takeaways, it's that the injury is to his non-throwing arm, and he should have plenty of time to make a full recovery before he reports to the Red Sox's spring training facility next February. Sale will likely exercise his $27.5 million player option for 2023 this winter after injuries have limited him to just 57.1 regular-season and playoff innings with the big club since the start of the 2020 season.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Sale played catch Friday for the first time since undergoing surgery on his broken pinkie finger.

Sale underwent surgery July 18, a procedure described as "an open reduction and internal fixation of a left fifth finger proximal phalarix fracture." The club has not given a timetable for his return.

Sale (finger) was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday.

Sale was diagnosed with a broken left pinky finger Monday and has been ruled out for at least a month. Given that news, his move to the injured list was a formality to clear a roster spot. Brayan Bello was recalled from Triple-A Worcester in the corresponding move.

Sale underwent surgery on his broken left pinky finger Monday.

Sale suffered a left fifth finger proximal phalanx fracture after being hit by a comebacker in the first inning Sunday against the Yankees. In other words, he broke his left pinky finger and will now be out at least a month following surgery. Sale believes he will pitch again this season and we're yet to see an official timeline from the Red Sox. Nonetheless, the left-hander won't likely be fantasy relevant until early September at the soonest. Truly a tough blow for the fantasy owners who had stashed him since the beginning of the season.

Sale (fractured left pinkie finger) will see a specialist in Boston on Sunday or Monday and is confident he will pitch again this season, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

The Red Sox did not offer up a timetable for Sale, but that should become more apparent after he sees the specialist. Sale offered up a personal 4-to-6 week timetable, and it seems the typical timeline for this kind of injury is 6-to-8 weeks. While Sale's season may not be over, it will be tough to stash him in shallower leagues without IL spots.

The Red Sox confirmed that Sale was diagnosed with a fractured left pinkie finger after taking a comebacker off the hand during the first inning of his start Sunday against the Yankees, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

The team didn't offer a timeline for Sale's return, but Bill Koch of The Providence Journal notes that a typical rehab and recovery program for an injury of this sort to a pitcher's throwing hand typically entails a healing timeline of up to two months. If the Red Sox determine Sale need surgery to address the injury, he would likely miss the rest of the regular season and would need Boston to make a deep playoff run to have a shot at pitching again in 2022. The setback is a devastating blow for the Red Sox and for Sale, who missed all of the 2020 campaign and most of the 2021 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, then was sidelined for the first three months of the current season with a fractured right rib cage. Sunday's outing against New York marked just his second start of the season.

Sale was removed in the first inning of his start Sunday against the Yankees after he took a comebacker to his left pinkie finger, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger reports. He was charged with three runs (two earned) on two hits while recording just two outs prior to his departure.

The Red Sox likely won't have a firm diagnosis for Sale's injury until later Sunday or Monday, but the southpaw may be dealing with a fracture after he was smoked in his pitching hand by an Aaron Hicks line drive that was clocked at 106.7 miles per hour. If a fracture is confirmed, Sale could be in store for his second extended stint on the injured list of the season after he missed the first three months of the campaign while recovering from a stress fracture to the right side of his rib cage.

Sale struck out five in five scoreless innings while allowing three hits and a walk in a 3-2 loss Tuesday in Tampa Bay. He did not factor into the decision.

In his season debut for the Red Sox, Sale scattered three hits and a walk and tossed 53 of his 78 pitches for strikes. He left the game with a 2-0 lead but the Red Sox bullpen allowed three runs in the sixth, denying Sale the opportunity to earn the win. The lefty was reportedly capped at 85 pitches so it's no surprise he was pulled after five. While the Red Sox have not yet made an official announcement on the weekend's starters, it's possible Sale could start Sunday against the Yankees.

The Red Sox activated Sale (ribs) from the 60-day injured list before his 2022 debut Tuesday, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Sale will make his first start of the season against a depleted Rays lineup. The lefty displayed good stuff and velocity during his rehab starts but struggled with command at times, so it remains to be seen how he performs in his first big-league start since October.

Sale (ribs) is scheduled to throw about 85 pitches when he makes his season debut Tuesday against Tampa Bay, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Sale, who was up to 72 pitches in his final rehab outing for Triple-A Worcester last Wednesday, will be working on an extra day of rest. He's penciled in to next start Sunday against the Yankees, the final game before the All-Star break.

Sale (rib) has been officially announced as the starter for Tuesday's game against Tampa Bay, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Sale is finally ready to go after missing the first half of the season with a stress fracture in his rib cage. He was shaky in his final rehab outing, walking five batters in 3.2 innings of work, but the Red Sox nonetheless decided he's ready for his season debut. Expect some workload limitations early on in his return, however, given that he topped out at four innings across his four rehab appearances.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that Sale (rib) will likely be activated from the 60-day injured list to start Tuesday's game at Tampa Bay, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. "He'll pitch Tuesday. Somewhere, he'll pitch Tuesday, but there's a good chance he'll pitch with us," Cora said.

Cora still left the door open a crack for Sale's next outing to come in the minors, but all signs point to the southpaw slotting back into the Boston rotation next week for what would be his first appearance with the big club since the 2021 postseason. He didn't make a start in spring training after suffering a stress fracture on the right side of his rib cage in a mid-March throwing session, but the 33-year-old looks to be healthy again after a nearly four-month layoff. Though Sale was far from sharp in his fourth rehab outing with Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday -- he issued five walks in 3.2 innings -- he still struck out five batters and built up to 77 pitches. Assuming he's activated for Tuesday's game, Sale should face only a light restriction with his workload.

Sale (rib) worked 3.2 innings Wednesday in his rehab start for Triple-A Worcester, striking out five while allowing one earned run on three hits and five walks.

Heading into the night, Sale was targeting a 4-to-5-inning appearance for the fourth start of his rehab assignment, but the five free passes foiled those plans. Even so, Sale still managed to get stretched out a bit more, as he tossed 72 pitches (42 strikes) Wednesday after throwing 52 pitches in his previous outing. Though Sale's results were less than ideal, the Red Sox may still be comfortable enough bringing him back from the 60-day injured list after a lengthy layoff. He could be activated as soon as Monday's series opener in Tampa Bay.

Sale (ribs) will make a rehab start with Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

The Red Sox hope Sale, who completed four innings in Thursday's start at Double-A, gets through five frames next time out. If so, he could make his 2022 debut as soon as July 11 in Tampa Bay. Sale's been touching mid-90s with his fastball during the rehab assignment, which is a promising sign as he nears activation from the 60-day injured list.

Sale (ribs) allowed one earned run on four hits while striking out seven across four innings in his rehab appearance with Double-A Portland on Thursday.

Sale was scheduled to throw three innings, but he got in some extra work and brought his pitch count up to 52. Per Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe, Sale will participate in at least one more rehab appearance with the goal of working five innings while throwing roughly 65 to 70 pitches. If that goes according to plan, Sale could rejoin the Red Sox on July 10 or 11.

Sale (rib cage) will throw three innings in a rehab start for Double-A Portland on Thursday, Henry Palattella of MLB.com reports.

Sale made two rehab starts for Boston's affiliate in the Florida Complex League, most recently throwing 2.2 innings Saturday. The lefty will return to Boston for a bullpen session Monday before heading north to Portland (Maine). It looks like Sale is being prepped to be part of Boston's roster after the All-Star break.

Sale (rib cage) allowed three hits and no walks while striking out six over 2.2 scoreless innings in a rehab start for the Florida Complex League Red Sox on Saturday, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Sale built up innings during his second FCL start after throwing one frame last Monday. The fastball was between 92 and 96 mph. Next up for the left-hander is a bullpen session in Florida followed by a third rehab start at Double-A Portland, according to Red Sox manager Alex Cora. If he remains on a five-day schedule, Sale would start for the Sea Dogs on Thursday. A fourth rehab start could come at Triple-A Worcester, which is at home the following week.

Sale (rib cage) is expected to make his next rehab start Saturday for the Red Sox's rookie-level Florida Complex League affiliate, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Sale felt fine after tossing a 22-pitch inning in his 2022 debut with the FCL club Monday, and assuming he comes out of his between-starts bullpen session no worse for the wear, he'll be back on the mound this weekend in Florida. Expect the southpaw to push for around 2-to-3 innings Saturday while the Red Sox have him steadily build up to a starter's workload. After his second outing in the FCL, Sale is expected to report to a full-season affiliate to continue his rehab assignment.

Sale (ribs) allowed one run on one hit and one walk while striking out one over one inning in a rehab start at the Florida Complex League on Monday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Sale threw 22 pitches against the Rays' affiliate during the inning, which included a strikeout of a rehabbing Wander Franco. Red Sox manager Alex Cora mistakenly told reporters over the weekend that the left-hander was going to pitch two innings, but the Red Sox confirmed that was miscommunication about Sale's workload. If there a no setbacks, Sale is expected to pitch again in five days (Saturday) as he ramps up his pitch and innings count, although it's unclear where he will throw.

Sale (ribs) will begin a rehab assignment in the Florida Complex League on Monday, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Sale has been out all year while recovering from a stress fracture in his right rib cage. The Red Sox went back and forth on whether he'd be best served returning as a starter or reliever but eventually decided that a return to his starting role would be best. That means he'll need quite a long rehab process, which may keep him out until sometime around the All-Star break.

Manager Alex Cora said Wednesday that the Red Sox envision Sale (rib cage) serving in a starting role once he's reinstated from the 60-day injured list, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Rumors percolated earlier this month that Sale could be brought back as a reliever in order to speed up his return from the IL, but comments from pitching coach Dave Bush and now Cora have seemingly ended any speculation about the southpaw filling a bullpen role. Assuming that's the case, Sale will likely require a few weeks of ramp-up time via simulated games and a minor-league rehab assignment before he makes his 2022 debut for the Red Sox. According to Ian Browne of MLB.com, Sale is scheduled to throw two simulated innings at Fenway Park on Thursday, and if all goes well, he could report to a minor-league affiliate early next week.

Pitching coach Dave Bush said Tuesday that Sale (rib cage) will throw live batting practices or simulated games during the Red Sox's homestand that runs through June 22 before potentially heading out on a minor-league rehab assignment, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. "Ideally, he'll be back as a starter," Bush said, when asked about the Red Sox's plans for Sale once he returns from the 60-day injured list.

On the mend since mid-March from a stress fracture of his right rib cage, Sale looks to be nearing the finish line in his lengthy rehab program. According to Alex Speier of The Boston Globe, Sale touched 96 miles per hour during his most recent live throwing session Monday, but he'll still need to show he can command and control all of his pitches as he builds up again. Bush's comments about the Red Sox ideally bringing Sale back as a starter would seem to run counter to a report last week from Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic that suggested the lefty could rejoin Boston as a multi-inning relief option as a means of expediting his return from the active roster. A move to the bullpen doesn't sound like it's being dismissed yet, but the Red Sox may prefer to wait and see how Sale fares during his rehab assignment before a decision is made on his role.

Sale (ribs) will throw to live batters for the first time Monday in Fort Myers (Fla.), Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Sale completed a bullpen session Friday and is ready for the next challenge in his return to the major-league roster. It is presumed Sale will need a few live-batter sessions before heading out on a rehab assignment.

The Red Sox will consider utilizing Sale (ribs) out of the bullpen to help expedite his return to the major-league roster, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Returning as a reliever would cut down Sale's return timeline, as he wouldn't need to be fully built up to a starter's workload before being activated. The left-hander has yet to face live hitters but could do so next week, and how that session goes should go a long way toward determining the next steps in his rehab program. Sale's bullpen sessions to this point have been limited to about 25 pitches, so he'll need a significant period to continue ramping up if Boston opts to immediate re-insert him into the starting rotation.

Sale (ribs) is scheduled to throw another bullpen session Friday before progressing to live batting practice next week, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

The veteran left-hander originally lined up for live batting practice Friday, but things were pushed back a few days due to a stomach bug. Sale has been slowly ramping up his bullpen sessions over the past couple weeks, and advancing to face live hitter will represent a significant step in his rehab program.

Sale (ribs) had his bullpen session pushed back from Tuesday to Wednesday due to a stomach bug, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

It's only a temporary setback, so the left-hander is expected to quickly be back on the mound. Sale was previously on track to throw a live batting practice session Friday, assuming the bullpen goes well, but the live BP will now be pushed into later in the weekend.

Sale (ribs) will throw another bullpen session Tuesday and then "hopefully" a live batting practice session Friday, according to manager Alex Cora, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Sale threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Saturday. It continues to be a gradual buildup for the veteran southpaw. We'll know if he's progressing as expected based on whether he can throw the live batting practice session Friday.

Sale (ribs) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Saturday, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Sale didn't face any issues after throwing 25 pitches off a mound Wednesday, and he replicated that throwing session Saturday. Assuming he feels good following Saturday's bullpen, the southpaw could progress to facing live hitters next week. The 33-year-old will presumably require a rehab assignment at some point, but it's not yet clear how many minor-league outings he'll require prior to rejoining the Red Sox.

Sale (ribs) could face hitters next week, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

He has thrown a string of bullpen sessions this week and will throw another one this weekend before potentially ramping up his throwing program. It's unclear how many rehab outings he will need before returning from the injured list.

Sale (ribs) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Wednesday with no issues, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The 33-year-old continues to throw regular side sessions, and he's scheduled to take the mound again Friday before potentially advancing to face live batters. Assuming he's cleared to pitch against hitters after Friday's session, Sale could soon begin a minor-league rehab assignment.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Tuesday that Sale (ribcage) will throw at least two more bullpen sessions before the team maps out a rehab assignment for the lefty, Steve Hewitt of the Boston Herald reports.

Sale threw his most recent side session Monday, so he'll likely rest for another day or two before getting back on the mound again. The 33-year-old has felt well physically since he resumed throwing in mid-May, but he'll still likely need at least a few more weeks to build up his pitch count before he's ready to return from the 60-day injured list.

Sale (ribs) threw 22-25 pitches during a bullpen session Friday, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

Sale threw a 15-pitch bullpen session Tuesday while mixing in all of his pitch types, and he increased his pitch count Friday. The southpaw is scheduled to throw three bullpen sessions next week, and the team is hopeful that he'll be able to begin a rehab assignment the week after that. However, the Red Sox will wait to make a firm decision on when Sale can begin a rehab assignment until they see how he feels following his throwing sessions next week.

Sale (ribs) completed a 15-pitch bullpen session Tuesday and incorporated mixed in all his pitch types, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The veteran left-hander is scheduled for another bullpen session Friday and is expected to throw up to 25 pitches. Sale will likely throw another bullpen after that before progressing to live batting practice, which could be the final hurdle before beginning a minor-league rehab assignment.

Sale (ribs) threw a 15-pitch bullpen session Thursday, Steve Hewitt of the Boston Herald reports.

Sale resumed playing catch Monday, and Thursday's throwing session marked the first time he had pitched off a mound since suffering a setback in early May. After dealing with a non-baseball medical issue earlier in the month, the southpaw will shift his focus toward building back up now that he's been cleared to throw bullpens.

Sale (ribs) resumed playing catch Monday, Steve Hewitt of the Boston Herald reports.

Sale had been tracking towards a return from the 60-day injured list when first eligible in early June, but he was sidetracked by a non-baseball medical issue in early May. The setback reportedly delayed his timeline by a few weeks, but he's seemingly back on the right track now.

Boston general manager Chaim Bloom said Wednesday it will be a matter of days, not weeks, before Sale (ribs) resumes throwing, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Bloom added that the Red Sox do not have a date for when Sale will resume his throwing program. The left-hander recently experienced a non-baseball medical issue that caused the program to be halted.

Sale (ribs) is behind schedule by a few weeks after dealing with a non-baseball medical issue, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Sale has been out all season with a stress fracture in his ribcage. He was tracking towards returning when first eligible in early June, but a return in late June now seems more reasonable. The exact nature of his medical issue is unclear, but it was enough to pause his throwing progression. He seems to be nearly over the issue now, however, as he's expected to resume throwing soon.

Sale (ribs) threw seven pitches during a bullpen session this week, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Sale had been playing catch since mid-April, but his bullpen session this week represented the first time that he threw off a mound since sustaining a stress fracture on the right side of his ribcage. The southpaw isn't eligible to return to major-league action until at least early June, and the Red Sox have been conservative in his rehab process so far.

Sale (ribs) played catch prior to Friday's game against Minnesota, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Sale has been sidelined since the start of spring training due to a stress fracture on the right side of his ribcage, but it's encouraging that he's now able to begin a throwing program. The southpaw is on the 60-day injured list and won't be eligible to appear in major-league games until at least early June, but he'll now work on building up ahead of his eventual return.

Sale (ribs) is expected to begin throwing next week, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Sale came into camp with a stress fracture in the right side of his rib cage. His previously ambiguous timeline was given some clarity Monday when the Red Sox placed him on the 60-day injured list. He'll now be ineligible to return before early June, giving the back end of the team's rotation some extra job security to start the year.

Sale (ribs) was placed on the 60-day injured list Monday, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

Sale had yet to resume throwing after an MRI revealed a stress fracture in his right rib cage and didn't have a clear return timeline. This transaction gives at least some clarity in that area, as he'll now be unable to return before early June. Whether or not he's expected to be ready to go as soon as possible is unclear. The move means that Tanner Houck, Michael Wacha and Rich Hill all have safe rotation spots for the early part of the year.

Sale (ribs) said Saturday that he feels good physically but hasn't yet been cleared to resume throwing, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Sale expects that he'll be cleared to throw relatively soon, and he also said he doesn't expect to need a full allotment of time to build up since he was able to throw early in camp. Although the southpaw's updates Saturday provide some encouragement, a better idea of his return timetable is unlikely to come into focus until he officially resumes throwing.

Manager Alex Cora said Sale's (ribs) MRI showed "some healing," but the veteran left-hander remains without a timeline to start a throwing program, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Sale underwent the follow-up MRI on Thursday to check his recovery progress from the stress fracture on the right side of his rib cage, and it appears he requires a big more rest before being cleared to throw. The 33-year-old is expected to remain at extended spring training for his throwing program, though it's unclear when that will begin.

Sale (ribs) was scheduled to undergo a pre-planned MRI on Thursday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

The MRI isn't the result of any setback in his recovery from a stress fracture on the right side of his rib cage; instead, Sale is being sent in for imaging so he and the Red Sox can assess how much his ribs have healed since he was shut down in mid-March. If the imaging shows the desired improvement, Sale could resume throwing before the end of camp, though he'll stick around at extended spring training in any case while he opens the season on the injured list.

Sale (rib) is feeling much better and will start throwing early next week, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Sale came into camp nursing a stress fracture on the right side of his ribcage. He'll miss the start of the season but doesn't have a clear timetable for his return, with previous reports speculating that early May might be when he makes his season debut. More clarity should emerge once the Red Sox get to see how his body responds to throwing.

The Red Sox have not yet set a timetable for Sale (rib) to resume throwing, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Sale sustained a stress fracture to his right rib cage in February and remains sidelined. Browne indicated injuries of this nature take six-to-eight weeks to heal, which means the left-hander may not resume throwing for another couple of weeks. At this point, estimating a date for Sale to take the mound in game action is a guess. Browne believes Sale won't pitch for the Red Sox in a major league game before May.

Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom said Wednesday that Sale will be out for the start of the season after suffered a stress fracture on the right side of his ribcage, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

According to Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald, Bloom said Sale picked up the injury while he was recently throwing a live batting practice session at his alma mater, Florida Gulf Coast. Though Sale has reportedly shown improvement since arriving at Red Sox camp once the lockout concluded, he won't have enough time to fully recover from the injury and stay on track in his buildup program before the season begins April 7. Nathan Eovaldi is thus positioned to get the Opening Day in place of Sale, whose target timeline for a return likely won't become clear until he resumes throwing again.

Sale allowed four runs (two earned) on three hits and two walks while striking out seven batters in 5.1 innings in Game 5 of the ALCS against the Astros on Wednesday. He was saddled with the loss.

The whiffs were there for Sale, and he actually pitched quite well through his first five frames, allowing nothing more than a second-inning solo shot by Yordan Alvarez. Everything unraveled in the sixth inning, however, when he started to face Houston's best bats for the third time. A walk and an error to start the frame put him in trouble right away, and he was eventually pulled after allowing a two-RBI double by Yordan Alvarez, who would later come around to score himself. It hasn't been a postseason to remember for the veteran lefty, who's only thrown nine innings across his three starts and owns an 8.00 ERA.

Sale will start Game 5 of the ALCS against the Astros on Wednesday unless he's needed in relief for Tuesday's Game 4 matchup, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

While Sale is technically available out of the bullpen Tuesday, the Red Sox would likely much prefer for him to handle multiple innings at the start of Wednesday's contest. He's had a limited role in his two playoff starts thus far this year, lasting a combined 3.2 innings while allowing six runs on nine hits.

Sale allowed one run on five hits and a walk while striking out two in 2.2 innings in Friday's loss to the Astros in Game 1 of the ALCS. He didn't factor into the decision.

Sale gave up a run in the bottom of the first inning Friday but held the Astros scoreless during the remainder of his outing. He's made two starts since the postseason began and has posted a 14.73 ERA and 3.00 WHIP in 3.2 innings. The southpaw tentatively lines up to make his next start at home in Game 5 on Wednesday, but he could be available sooner since he threw just 61 pitches in Game 1.

Sale will start Game 1 of the ALCS against the Astros on Friday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Sale struggled in Game 2 of the ALDS against the Rays and allowed five runs on four hits and a walk while striking out two in one inning. However, the southpaw will still take the mound to begin the ALCS, while Nate Eovaldi will start Game 2 on Saturday.

Manager Alex Cora said Sale will be available out of the bullpen for Game 3 of the ALDS against the Rays on Sunday, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Sale surrendered five runs in one frame during his Game 2 start, and he'll be available as a reliever two days later since he threw only 30 pitches in that outing. Eduardo Rodriguez already lined up as the starter for a potential Game 5 on Wednesday, so working out of the bullpen may not affect Sale's next turn through the rotation, which was already unlikely to come before the ALCS, should the Red Sox advance.

Sale allowed five runs on four hits and a walk while striking out two in one inning during Friday's win over the Rays in Game 2 of the ALDS. He didn't factor into the decision.

The Red Sox gave Sale two runs of support in the top of the first inning, but the team's lead was erased when the Rays totaled five runs in the bottom half of the frame. The left-hander has allowed at least two runs in each of his last four appearances but could make an appearance later in the ALDS given the brevity of Friday's start.

Sale was added to Boston's ALDS roster, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

Sale wasn't on the wild-card roster after he started Sunday's regular-season finale, but it's not surprising to see him on the ALDS roster. The southpaw will start Game 2 against the Rays on Friday.

Sale is not on Boston's wild-card roster, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Starters pitching out of relief in an elimination game is standard practice, and the Red Sox are prepared to do just that if necessary, as Eduardo Rodriguez, Nick Pivetta and Tanner Houck are all on the squad. Sale just threw 62 pitches in the season finale Sunday against the Nationals, however, so it's understandable that the Red Sox considered him unavailable on one day's rest less than two months into his return from Tommy John surgery.

Sale gave up two runs on four hits and three walks with seven strikeouts in 2.1 innings, taking a no-decision versus Washington.

With Boston needing a win to clinch a playoff berth, manager Alex Cora was quick to give Sale the hook once he pitched into a jam in the third inning. The southpaw ended the regular season with a 3.16 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 52:12 K:BB in 42.2 innings across nine starts. Should Boston get through Tuesday's AL Wild Card Game versus the Yankees, Sale would line up for a start versus the Rays in the ALDS.

Sale (5-1) was charged with the loss against the Orioles on Tuesday after surrendering three runs on four hits and a walk while striking out six across 5.1 innings.

Sale blanked the Orioles through the first five frames, but trouble struck in the sixth inning when a two-run homer by Ryan Mountcastle blemished the scoreboard. It was the first time all season that the southpaw allowed as many as three runs, leading to his first loss. Sale, who missed the first four months of the season due to Tommy John surgery, has put up solid numbers in his eight appearances, pitching to the tune of a 2.90 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. He'll look to rebound during his next projected start Sunday at Washington.

Sale (5-0) allowed two runs on six hits and two walks with eight strikeouts over five innings, picking up the win in Wednesday's 12-5 victory over the Mets.

Sale was staked to a sizeable lead early on Wednesday and cruised through five solid innings. He matched his season high with eight strikeouts, including one where he got Javier Baez to swing at a slider that ended up hitting him in the back foot. If you won the race to the waiver wire to add Sale after he spent the first four months of the season on the injured list recovering from Tommy John surgery, congrats. The lanky left-hander has not allowed more than two earned runs in any single outing this season and seems to be just warming up.

Sale (illness) will be activated from the COVID-19 injured list to start Friday against the Orioles, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

As expected, Sale will rejoin the rotation Friday after testing positive for COVID-19 and missing the past week. Per Koch, manager Alex Cora said the veteran left-hander won't have any specific limitations following the brief absence, and he'll be available to pitch on a regular five-day schedule the rest of the season.

Sale (illness) is expected to be activated from the COVID-19 list to start Friday against the Orioles, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Sale tested positive for the virus late last week and was unable to start as scheduled Sunday against the White Sox, but it appears he'll end up missing only one turn through the rotation. Given the brevity of the absence, the veteran left-hander shouldn't face significant workload limitations, assuming he's cleared to start versus Baltimore as expected.

Sale tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday and will not start Sunday against the White Sox, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The extent of Sale's absence will depend on whether he's vaccinated, a detail that is currently unknown. Garrett Richards or Connor Seabold could be called upon to fill Sale's rotation spot until he recovers from the virus.

Sale allowed five runs (one earned) on 10 hits and a walk over 3.2 innings in Monday's loss to the Rays. He struck out six and did not factor in the decision.

Sale escaped the first inning after allowing just one run despite giving up four hits. He then kept the Rays off the board until an ugly fourth inning. Four unearned runs came around to score after a fielding error by Alex Verdugo and a throwing error by Taylor Motter. It was his shortest outing of the year but he managed to lower his ERA to 2.52 through 25 innings. Sale has given up two or fewer earned runs in each of his five starts. He's lined up to face the White Sox on the road this weekend.

Sale tossed six innings while surrendering two runs on six hits and two walks with three strikeouts in Wednesday's win against the Rays. He did not factor into the game's decision.

The left-hander gave up a two-run homer to Wander Franco in the fourth inning, which ultimately made up the entirety of the damage against him in this one. He has been pretty sharp since returning from the injured list on August 14, going at least five innings in each of his four starts without allowing more than two runs. Sale is 3-0 with a 2.53 ERA over that stretch. His next start projects to be a home matchup against the Rays on Monday.

Sale is scheduled to make his next start Wednesday against the Rays in Tampa Bay, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Sale was initially lined up to start Tuesday in the second contest of the four-game series, but the Red Sox will instead build in an extra day of rest for him, coming off a 5.1-inning, eight-strikeout effort versus the Twins on Aug. 26. Boston will either add a temporary sixth starter to the mix or treat Tuesday's contest as a bullpen game, but regardless, the adjusted pitching schedule means that Sale will miss out on a two-start week.

Sale (3-0) earned the win Thursday after holding the Twins to two runs on two hits and a pair of walks while striking out eight across 5.1 innings.

The 32-year-old had his command in check Thursday, joining Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax as the only pitchers with three immaculate innings when he struck out the side against the Twins on nine pitches in the third frame. It was Sale's third start since rejoining the rotation following Tommy John surgery that caused him to miss the 2020 season. The southpaw whiffed Nick Gordon, Andrelton Simmons and Rob Refsnyder on three pitches apiece. Meanwhile, he was rewarded with more than enough run support from his hot-hitting teammates to finish off the victory. Sale is projected for a road matchup at Tampa Bay on Tuesday.

Sale (2-0) allowed five hits and a walk with five strikeouts in five scoreless innings, earning the win Friday over Texas.

While Texas was able to put runners on base, Sale made sure to keep the visitors off the board. He threw 49 of his 71 pitches for strikes, a lighter workload than the 89-pitch effort he recorded in his season debut last Saturday. Boston is likely to be cautious with its ace as he continues to build himself up in his comeback from Tommy John surgery. The southpaw is projected to make his next start versus Minnesota next week.

Sale (1-0) picked up the win in Saturday's 16-2 rout of the Orioles, allowing two runs on six hits over five innings. He struck out eight without walking a batter.

The veteran lefty came out of the gate firing in his belated season debut and first big-league action in almost exactly two years, tossing 60 of 89 pitches for strikes. Sale did run into a bit of trouble in the third inning, serving up back-to-back solo shots to Austin Hays and Trey Mancini, but Boston had already given its ace six runs of support by that point with plenty more on the way. With two off days coming up next week, the Red Sox will be able to give Sale more than the usual four days of rest, lining up his next start for Aug. 20 in a favorable home matchup against the Rangers.

Sale was officially activated as expected Saturday ahead of his scheduled season debut against the Orioles, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

Sale will be pitching at the big-league level for the first time in just over two years, as his last outing took place Aug. 13, 2019 in Cleveland. He was shut down with elbow issues after that start, and while Tommy John surgery was initially deemed unnecessary, he eventually underwent the procedure in March of 2020. Expectations for a pitcher in his first few starts following such a long absence should be somewhat muted, though Sale has certainly looked like his old self across 20 rehab innings, striking out 35 while walking five and allowing just three runs. He reached 80 pitches in his most recent outing, so he should be able to handle something close to a full workload Saturday.

Sale (elbow) will be activated from the 60-day injured list to start next Saturday against the Orioles, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

The veteran left-hander made his fifth and final rehab start Saturday and allowed two hits with eight strikeouts and three walks over 4.2 scoreless frames. Sale eclipsed the 80-pitch mark during the rehab assignment, so he shouldn't face significant workload limitations in his first start since 2019, though the Red Sox are likely to remain cautious as he returns from Tommy John surgery.

Sale is scheduled to make the fifth start of his rehab assignment Saturday at Triple-A Worcester, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

In his fourth rehab start overall and first at Worcester on Saturday, Sale was once again impressive. He worked five innings of one-run ball, scattering five hits and a walk while striking out seven in the 81-pitch outing. According to Bill Koch of The Providence Journal, manager Alex Cora said Sunday that Sale "felt great" one day after making the start, but the Red Sox want the left-hander to get in one more tune-up at Triple-A before he makes his long-awaited 2021 debut for Boston. If all goes well in Saturday's start, Sale would tentatively line up to return from the 60-day injured list for the Red Sox's Aug. 12 game against the Rays in Boston.

Sale (elbow) allowed one run on five hits and one walk while striking out seven over five inning for Triple-A Worcester on Saturday.

Sale was dominant during what is expected to be his second-to-last minor-league start, stretching out to five innings and 81 pitches. Assuming there are no setbacks, he'll likely make one more start as early as Aug. 5 before rejoining the Red Sox.

Sale (elbow) will make at least two more rehab starts before being activated from the 60-day injured list, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

After a few non-arm-related setbacks over the winter, Sale's recovery from Tommy John surgery has gone smoothly for some time now. He's looked good in three rehab starts, allowing just two runs in 10.1 innings of work while striking out 20 and walking just one. He got up to 64 pitches in his most recent outing, so he could get to around 80 for Triple-A Worcester on Saturday. He'll still need at least one more rehab outing after that, which could put him on track to return Aug. 10 against the Rays if he remains on normal rest.

Sale (elbow) is expected to throw four of five innings in his rehab outing with Double-A Portland on Sunday, Steve Hewitt of the Boston Herald reports.

The outing will mark Sale's third rehab appearance. In his last start, he threw 3.2 innings and built his pitch count up to 49, and he should have the chance to build on that number Sunday. Sale will still likely need at least one or two more additional rehab outings prior to being activated by the Red Sox, though his return from Tommy John surgery remains on track.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Sale (elbow) is scheduled to make his third rehab start at Double-A Portland on Sunday, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

Sale will stick around in Portland after he turned in another encouraging outing in his second rehab start Tuesday versus Harrisburg. He struck out six and issued one walk over 3.2 no-hit innings, building his pitch count up to 49 (34 strikes) in the process. Sale will likely need two or three more rehab appearances before he's fully ramped up for starting duty with the big club, and the results he's turned in thus far both from a statistical and observational standpoint offer hope that he'll quickly re-emerge as a frontline starter when he returns from the 60-day injured list. According to Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican, Sale's fastball topped out at around 97-to-98 miles per hour Tuesday, and he commanded his full arsenal well.

Sale (elbow) will likely make his next rehab start at Double-A Portland on Tuesday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Sale made his first rehab start Thursday with the Red Sox's Florida Complex League affiliate, and he tossed 39 pitches across three innings. His fastball reached 97 mph during the outing, and manager Alex Cora said Thursday that the southpaw will progress to Double-A if he feels good Friday. Sale is expected to require three or four rehab appearances before he's cleared to rejoin the major-league club, but he's made good progress recently.

Sale (elbow) is scheduled to throw a two-inning simulated game at the Red Sox's extended spring training facility in Fort Myers, Fla. on Thursday, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

The lefty appeared set to begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Worcester during the upcoming week after he tossed a successful simulated game Saturday, but the Red Sox want him to pitch in a controlled setting at least one more time before clearing him for minor-league action. Assuming Thursday's throwing session goes well, Sale should begin his assignment at Worcester shortly after the Red Sox reconvene following the All-Star break. Sale is expected to need at least three or four rehab assignments to build up his innings count before the Red Sox sign off on him making his 2021 debut for the big club. He looks to be tracking toward a return from the 60-day injured list around mid-August.

Sale (elbow) threw two innings in a simulated game Saturday, Matt Vautour of MassLive.com reports.

Boston manager Alex Cora received positive reports about the outing, and the organization will wait to see how Sale's elbow responds Sunday. If there are no setbacks, the left-hander will likely make a rehab start later this week. Cora sees a slow ramp up on the rehab assignment, beginning with a two-inning stint.

Sale (elbow) will throw a two-inning simulated game Saturday, Matt Vautour of MassLive.com reports.

Sale's sim game will take place in Fort Myers (Fla.), and the team will evaluate him Sunday before determining the left-hander's next step. If all goes well, Sale could make a rehab start, possibly for Triple-A Worcester, toward the end of next week.

Pitching coach Dave Bush said Wednesday that Sale (elbow) won't be activated from the 60-day injured list until he's stretched out to throw 5-6 innings, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The Red Sox could have been considering bringing Sale back after just one or two rehab outings and having him initially pitch in shorter appearances, but it sounds like that won't be the case. With that in mind, Sale will likely need three or four starts in the minors before he's ready to return to the Boston rotation, meaning that he's unlikely to be activated until early August. Sale is expected to throw two more innings in a simulated game Saturday before beginning his rehab assignment.

Sale (elbow) will throw two simulated innings Saturday before likely beginning his rehab assignment, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

The lefty's Tuesday session was thought to be his last before heading off to rehab, but he apparently needs a bit more simulated work. The Red Sox have not announced yet which minor-league level Sale will begin his rehab assignment with.

Sale (elbow) will throw two innings Tuesday in what is expected to be his last session before starting a rehab assignment, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Sale is expected to begin his assignment at a lower minor-league level rather than going straight to Triple-A. That being said, all recent reports have been positive and the lefty still appears to be on track for a return sometime in late-July or August.

Sale (elbow) was enthused by Wednesday's live batting practice session and reported feeling good the day after, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. "[Wednesday] was a good day, another step in the right direction. You know, I came in today feeling really, really good. Was able to move my arm around. Soreness in all the good spots. Got to keep trucking forward," the pitcher said.

Sale feels he'll be pitching for Boston "sooner rather than later" following Wednesday's session during which he hit the mid 90s on the radar gun and mixed in offspeed stuff. The left-hander will need a rehab assignment, but Sale could return soon enough to make an impact on the pennant race.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Sale (elbow) looked "really good" while throwing a live batting practice session Wednesday, Steve Hewitt of the Boston Herald reports.

Sale faced hitters for the second time in less than a week, and based on Cora's observations, the veteran southpaw was sharper Wednesday than he was over the weekend. Per Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe, Cora said the most "eye-opening" aspect of Sale's throwing session was his improved command, an area pitchers returning from Tommy John surgery often struggle to regain in their initial throwing sessions. Sale, who sported a fastball that sat around 94 to 95 miles per hour, is scheduled to throw another live batting practice next week in Florida before the Red Sox send him out on a rehab assignment. He'll likely make four or five rehab outings before returning from the 60-day injured list, with a late-July or early August season debut looking like a real possibility for the 32-year-old.

Manager Alex Cora said Sale (elbow) will throw a two-inning live batting practice session on Wednesday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The skipper said that Sale is "feeling great" following his 15-pitch live BP session Saturday. The southpaw will ramp up the pitch count when he throws to hitters again Wednesday, after which he could begin a minor-league rehab assignment. With that in mind, Sale remains in line for a mid-to-late July return to the Boston rotation.

Sale (elbow) threw 15 pitches during live batting practice Saturday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Although Sale threw slightly fewer pitches than expected Saturday, manager Alex Cora said that the left-hander looked good during his throwing session. The 32-year-old is slated to face hitters at Fenway Park again next week, and he could begin a rehab assignment afterward.

Sale (elbow) will throw 20 pitches to live hitters from the mound at Fenway Park on Saturday.

This will be the first time Sale has had pitcher-batter competition of any kind since spring training in 2020. Red Sox manager Alex Cora feels Sale will need one more session against hitters before the team sends him off on a rehab assignment.

Sale (elbow) threw a bullpen session Tuesday and will face hitters Saturday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Sale had some hiccups over the winter as he worked his way back from Tommy John surgery, dealing with minor neck and back issues as well as COVID-19, but it's been smooth sailing for him for a while now. He still doesn't have a precise timeline for his return, but a rehab assignment in early July seems very possible given his progress thus far.

Sale (elbow) is scheduled to throw bullpen sessions Tuesday and Friday, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Sale threw a 40-pitch bullpen session Friday and felt good afterward. If all goes well during next week's bullpens, the southpaw is expected to face hitters for the first time the week after. A timetable for Sale's return to game action hasn't yet been established, but he could potentially begin a rehab assignment sometime in July.

Sale (elbow) threw 40 pitches in a bullpen session Friday, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Sale impressed during a bullpen session at the end of last week, and he had another throwing session in Worcester on Friday. The southpaw treated the bullpen as though he was warming up for a game as he continues to make progress in his recovery. Manager Alex Cora has expressed optimism that Sale could face hitters in the near future, but he'll continue to be monitored in the coming days to determine his next steps.

Manager Alex Cora was impressed with Sale (elbow) during the lefty's bullpen session Friday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The manager expressed strong optimism when talking about the southpaw's Friday bullpen, but also hinted at the fact that he still has a ways to go before he's back in the Red Sox rotation. The skipper said, "We need to not get too excited...but it was just that good." Cora's latest update indicates that a July return to the Red Sox continues to be a realistic possibility for the veteran left-hander, though Boston will surely continue to monitor his rehab very closely.

Sale (elbow) is scheduled to throw another bullpen session this week, and he could be ready to face hitters soon after, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports. "Things are trending up," manager Alex Cora said, regarding Sale's recovery from Tommy John surgery.

Sale checked out fine after tossing a 20-pitch bullpen session last Wednesday, so he'll presumably be able to take a step forward in terms of both intensity and volume of pitches when he repeats the activity this week. The veteran southpaw still has several hurdles to clear in the recovery process from surgery before the Red Sox prepare him for a return from the 60-day injured list, but Sale at least appears to have avoided any majors since undergoing the elbow procedure March 30, 2020.

Sale (elbow) threw 20 pitches off the mound Wednesday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

According to Alex Cora, Sale threw mostly fastballs and changeups. He also mixed in three sliders, only one of which was on-target. Sale's early-to-mid-summer return remains feasible, but he'll certainly need to regain his signature slider before progressing further and beginning rehab assignments.

Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom said Monday that Sale (elbow) continues to increase the intensity and length of his throwing sessions as he progresses toward rejoining the starting rotation sometime this summer, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

The veteran southpaw will continue to eye an early-to-mid-summer return from Tommy John surgery. Bloom's update doesn't necessarily provide a lot of information as far as a specific return date, but it does indicate that things are continuing to go well as far as the rehab process is concerned.

Sale (elbow) threw a bullpen session at the Red Sox's spring training facility Saturday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Sale's recovery from Tommy John surgery hit a trio of snags over the winter, as he dealt with neck stiffness, a minor back issue and COVID-19. None of the issues were arm-related, however, so the ultimate impact on his return timeline may not wind up being particularly significant. The Red Sox have yet to announce when they expect him to return, however.

Sale (elbow) has been satisfied with his recoveries between throwing sessions, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Sale threw from a mound for the first time since Tommy John surgery May 4 and has continued with his throwing progression. It's unclear how significant Sale's bouncing back well between sessions truly is, but manager Alex Cora sees it as a good sign for the lefty ace.

Sale (elbow) threw off a mound Tuesday for the first time since March 1, 2020, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

He only threw a few pitches, but it was nonetheless a big step in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. There is no timetable for Sale's return to game action, but he is making strides in the right direction.

Sale (elbow) hasn't yet resumed throwing off a mound, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

Sale was recently sent to Florida to continue his rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery, but he's still been limited to throwing off flat ground. Although Sale has reportedly been increasing his throwing intensity in recent weeks, it's not yet clear when he'll be able to resume mound work.

Sale (elbow) will head to Florida on Monday to continue his rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Sale has been working with the team in Boston, mostly playing catch. The organization does not have a timetable for when the left-hander will throw off a mound or return to the active roster.

Sale (elbow), who threw in the outfield at Fenway Park on Tuesday, will head to Florida to continue his rehab Sunday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

He has not advanced to mound work yet, but Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe noted that he was throwing with some fervor prior to Tuesday's game. Sale seems to be getting stronger and is closing in on advancing to mound work.

Sale (elbow) has advanced to throwing off flat ground from 120 feet but has yet to get back on a mound, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Sale is expected to return from Tommy John surgery sometime in the middle of this season, as he underwent the procedure last March, but the Red Sox haven't offered any clear timelines. He's behind schedule due to a pair of setbacks, though neither were arm-related, as he battled neck stiffness and then COVID-19 over the winter.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Thursday that Sale (elbow) will remain limited to throwing off flat ground as he shifts his rehab program from Florida to Boston, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

Sale traveled north with the team for the start of the regular season, but he may return to the Red Sox's training facility in Fort Myers once he reaches the point in his rehab from Tommy John surgery where he's deemed ready to face hitters. Before that happens, he still has a major hurdle to clear in getting back on the mound. Cora said that Sale remains without a clear timeline to resume throwing bullpen sessions, making it difficult to predict when or if the southpaw will pitch for Boston in 2021.

Sale is behind schedule in his recovery from Tommy John surgery and has yet to throw off a mound due to non-elbow-related setbacks, Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom toldMLB Network Radio on SiriusXM on Friday.

Sale is a year removed from the procedure, at which point most pitchers have advanced to mound work. Sale isn't there yet, as he dealt with neck stiffness over the winter and then came down with COVID-19. While those setbacks might ultimately delay his timeline somewhat, it's certainly a positive that nothing has gone wrong with his arm thus far. He remains without a precise timeline for his return to game action.

Sale (elbow) will stretch his flat-ground throwing program out to 90 feet Saturday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Sale, who has not yet thrown off a mound, continues to work his way back from Tommy John surgery last March. While he has no set timetable for returning, the left-hander is expected to pitch at some point during the 2021 season.

Sale (elbow) was placed on the 60-day injured list Thursday.

Sale was expected to miss the first several months of the 2021 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in March of 2020, so his placement on the injured list is simply procedural and will clear up a spot on the 40-man roster for right-hander John Schreiber, who was claimed off waivers in a corresponding move. Sale experienced some neck stiffness in early February but remains on track in his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

Sale's elbow remains on track in his recovery from Tommy John surgery despite a setback in his rehab due to neck stiffness, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Sale had been planning on throwing a bullpen by the end of January, but the neck setback means he's still yet to do so. The delay presumably pushes back his overall timeline, though he doesn't appear to have a clear one. He underwent the procedure back in March of last year, so a typical recovery timeline would place his return to game action sometime in the middle of the upcoming season.

Sale (elbow) was forced to modify his rehab program after suffering from neck stiffness, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

The team's chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom clarified that the setback was not directly related to Sale's recovery from Tommy John surgery. Even so, he admitted that the injury did push back Sale's timetable to return to the mound. More optimistically, there have been no reports of further arm issues for Sale and the neck injury is not expected to change his health status in the long-term.

Sale (elbow) is scheduled to throw off a mound in late January, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The veteran left-hander remains without an official timeline for his return, but a return to mound work represents a significant step in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Sale underwent the procedure in March 2020 is figures to be sidelined for much of the first half of the season, but a more concrete timeline should come into focus and he ramps up his rehab work.

Sale remains without a clear timeline for his return from Tommy John surgery, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Sale underwent the procedure in late March. A typical recovery timeline would see him back on a big-league mound sometime in the middle of the 2021 season, though it's difficult to predict his exact return date with any precision. While manager Alex Cora declined to give a timeline for the lefty's return Tuesday, he did note that his recovery was coming along well.

Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom said Wednesday that Sale (elbow) continues to make progress from his Tommy John surgery and could be fully stretched out for starting duty by the middle of next summer, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Sale still has several more checkpoints to meet in his recovery from the elbow procedure, but the first seven-plus months of his rehab program appears to have gone according to plan. The southpaw should be ready to throw off flat ground -- if not a mound -- by the end of spring training, but he'll still be ticketed for the 60-day injured list to begin the 2021 campaign.

Sale (elbow) has been playing catch for the past week, Ian Browne of the MLB.com reports.

Boston manager Ron Roenicke received positive reports about Sale, the left-hander who underwent Tommy John surgery at the end of March. He's not expected to return until mid-season 2021.

Sale (elbow) is expected to resume throwing in two or three weeks, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Sale is slowly but surely working his way back after undergoing Tommy John surgery in March. The lefty is set to miss the entire 2020 campaign and some of the 2021 season while rehabbing.

Sale (elbow) was placed on the 45-day injured list Sunday.

He will miss the whole season and some of the 2021 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery in late March. This move opens up a spot on the 40-man roster.

Sale (elbow) will be out of his arm cast and start rehabbing Thursday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

While speaking with reporters Tuesday -- a little over a week after undergoing Tommy John surgery -- Sale mentioned that he's ready to shed his cast and begin the long rehabilitation process. The lefty is hoping to rehab at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida, though he can do most of the early-stage work at home if necessary. Sale mentioned that he's "really happy" with where he's at now, as the surgery offered a "definitive answer, a finish line," per Speier. "I've been chasing a ghost for seven months," Sale said.

Sale underwent Tommy John surgery Monday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

The surgery should finally allow Sale to move past the elbow issues that bothered him dating back to the second half of last season. He'll miss all of this season, even if the schedule winds up considerably delayed, and should miss a fair portion of the 2021 season as well.

Sale will undergo Tommy John surgery on his left elbow.

Sale's elbow troubles date back to last season. Tommy John surgery appeared to be on the table back in August and again when the issue return at the start of this month. The procedure was deemed unnecessary both times, and Sale was able to resume throwing Wednesday. His elbow evidently didn't respond well to Wednesday's session, however, as the decision to have him finally undergo the procedure was made just one day later. With a typical recovery timeline, the lefty will miss all of this season and the start of the 2021 campaign as well.

Sale (elbow) resumed throwing Wednesday at the Red Sox's spring training facility, Alex Speier of the Boston Globe reports.

The health of Sale's elbow remains up in the air despite the fact that he's able to throw. After three opinions on his flexor strain in early March, it was determined that he didn't need Tommy John surgery, but his elbow will need to continue to progress for that to stay true. Even if all goes well with his recovery, it will still take some time before he's ready for game action, though with Opening Day still up in the air, it's conceivable he could be ready by the time play resumes.

Sale (elbow) is still scheduled to be reevaluated sometime next week despite the suspension of spring training, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Sale has dealt with both pneumonia and a flexor strain in his pitching elbow during spring training, but interim manager Ron Roenicke indicated that the team will currently keep his throwing program in place despite the stoppage in play over coronavirus concerns. The southpaw was scheduled to throw Friday before play stopped, and it's unclear whether that session occurred. Sale's reaction to increased usage will likely determine his next steps in his recovery process.

Manager Ron Roenicke said Thursday that Sale has been diagnosed with a flexor strain in his left elbow, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports. He'll be shut down from throwing for the next week before attempting to play catch again.

Per Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic, both Dr. James Andrews and Dr. Neal ElAttrache noted that Sale's UCL is intact, prompting the two specialists to recommend that he forgo surgery for the time being and take a week off before seeing how his elbow responds to the rest period. According to Abraham, Sale is still scheduled to take part in defensive drills Thursday, so he won't be held out of baseball activities entirely while he waits for his elbow pain to subside. While the news is seemingly positive for Sale, the Red Sox likely won't be able to pinpoint a target date for his return until he advances to the portion of his throwing program where he's throwing off a mound. Since he'll essentially have to go through a modified spring training all over again, Sale appears unlikely to be ready to make his 2020 debut until early May in a best-case scenario.

Sale (elbow) is not expected to undergo Tommy John surgery at this point, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

The 30-year-old is expected to avoid surgery and will meet with arm specialist Dr. Neal ElAttrache later this week for another opinion. Dr. ElAttrache will be the third specialist to have examined Sale's MRI results, which should rule out the possibility of the southpaw making a quick turnaround from the injured list. The Red Sox should have an updated timeline on the injury within the next few days, but it is almost certain that seven-time All Star will spend greater than the minimum 15 days on the IL.

Sale (illness) felt sore following a live batting practice session Sunday and was sent for an MRI on his elbow, the results of which will be read by Dr. James Andrews, Sean McAdam of BostonSportsJournal.com reports

The lefty just can't catch a break. Already ruled out for the start of the season after missing time this spring due to a bout of pneumonia, he's now been linked to one of the most dreaded names in baseball. Dr. Andrews' name brings with it fears of Tommy John surgery, a procedure which was deemed unnecessary during Sale's elbow woes late last season. Whether or not that's on the table this time around remains to be seen.

Sale (illness) completed a 15-pitch live batting practice session Sunday and is scheduled to throw a two-inning simulated game Thursday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

The veteran left-hander is expected to throw 15 pitches per inning during the simulated game, and he could progress to a Grapefruit League game March 10 if all goes well. Sale has already been ruled out for Opening Day and is likely to begin the season on the injured list, so the Red Sox should continue exercising caution as Sale builds up to a starter's workload after dealing with pneumonia in early February.

Sale (illness) will throw two simulated innings prior to Sunday's game against the Braves, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

This will mark the first time Sale has thrown to hitters since his start Aug. 13 against the Indians. He was shut down for the rest of the season following that appearance due to a left elbow injury. The left-hander is expected to throw 30 pitches.

Interim manager Ron Roenicke confirmed Thursday that Sale (illness) won't be available to start Opening Day and will likely begin the season on the 15-day injured list, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Roenicke stressed that Sale's elbow is healthy after the southpaw treated his arm with non-surgical methods during the offseason, but the 30-year-old simply doesn't have enough time left in the spring to build up to a starter's workload after battling pneumonia earlier this month. Sale is back at camp and is expected to toss a live batting-practice session Saturday, but he'll still be about two weeks behind Boston's other starting pitchers once the regular season begins March 26. Assuming Sale experiences no complications while he ramps up, he'll likely only miss one or two turns through the rotation.

Sale (illness) completed his bullpen session without issues Wednesday, but his late start due to pneumonia means he's unlikely to be ready by Opening Day, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Sale didn't exactly need more question marks heading into the season on the back of an injury-filled 2019 campaign. He was considered uninjured when he showed up to camp, having recovered from the platelet-rich plasma injection he received in August, but the illness means he's considerably behind schedule. He's expected to throw a live batting practice session Saturday and then another one next week before getting into a game. The Red Sox want to be very careful in his buildup this season and will be happy to have him miss a turn or two at the start of the year if it means his odds of staying healthy for the remainder of the season improve.

Sale will throw an extended batting practice session later this week, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Sale, who felt good following a bullpen session, will simulate a multiple-inning situation during the extended bullpen. "He'll throw, probably take a couple minute breather and then get up and throw again. It's kind of an up-and-down for him," said interim manager Ron Roenicke. Sale, who was shut down early in camp due to pneumonia, may not get the six spring starts Boston had hoped for him. It's not yet clear when he'll begin to get into Grapefruit League games.

Sale (illness) threw a bullpen session Sunday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Sale, who is working his way back from a bout of pneumonia, has thrown side sessions, but this was his first bullpen of the spring. Interim manager Rob Roenicke is hopeful the left-hander can take the next step. He and pitching coach Dave Bush plan to meet with Sale on Monday to outline his program for the remainder of spring training.

Sale (illness) tossed a bullpen session during Thursday's full-squad workout, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

The side session was Sale's second of the week after he returned to camp Monday following a bout with pneumonia. The time the ace missed due to the illness along with an organizational desire to save his bullets for the games that count may prompt Boston to push back his Grapefruit League debut until next week or the first week of March, but Sale's ability to resume mound work at least indicates he's healthy again.

Sale said he's clear of the pneumonia and is scheduled to throw off a mound Monday, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

The veteran left-hander will now look to get back up to full strength after recovering from the bout of pneumonia, which Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports caused him to lose between six and seven pounds. Sale isn't guaranteed to be ready for Opening Day as the Red Sox plan to remain cautious in returning him to the fold, but he is clearly on the right track towards being fully cleared.

Sale (illness) could miss Opening Day as a result of his delayed start to spring training, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Sale recently developed a mild case of pneumonia, and interim manager Ron Roenicke stressed Saturday that the team wouldn't rush him back until he's fully ready. The 30-year-old played catch Friday and Saturday, but he still isn't back to full strength. After Sale posted a career-worst 4.40 ERA in 2019 as he dealt with elbow issues, the team wants to make sure the southpaw will be healthy over the course of the season rather than rushing him back prematurely.

Interim manager Ron Roenicke said Wednesday that Sale's recent bout with the flu turned into a mild case of pneumonia, though the lefty "feels really good" after completing a throwing session Tuesday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Sale is scheduled to throw again Wednesday at his home before reporting to Red Sox camp Friday, which offers some more reassurance about his health. Because of the physical toll the illness may have taken on his body, it's possible Sale is eased along more slowly than Boston's other rotation candidates. Per Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe, Roenicke noted that he wants all of his starters to get in six outings during spring training, so Sale will presumably get some competitive action in by the end of February.

Sale (elbow) has made a full recovery from his elbow injection in December, but is sick and will begin a slow start to spring training, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Sale had an encouraging appointment with Dr. Andrews in December and was given permission to resume offseason preparations without any restrictions approaching spring training. The 30-year-old finished the 2019 season with a career high 4.40 ERA and less than 11 wins for the first time in his career as a starter. Sale comfortably remains atop the Red Sox rotation and will look to bounce back strong after signing a five-year, $145 million contract extension last march.

Sale (elbow) was cleared to begin an offseason throwing program two weeks ago after visiting with Dr. James Andrews in Florida, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

After receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection for his ailing elbow in August, Sale was scheduled to make a follow-up appointment with Dr. Andrews near the end of the season, but the lefty ultimately pushed the checkup back a few weeks. With Andrews giving him a clean bill of health, Sale will now be able to resume his normal offseason preparations and shouldn't face any restrictions for the start of spring training. After posting a career-worst 4.40 ERA over 25 starts in 2019, a healthy Sale will be looking to bounce back as he enters the first season of the five-year, $145 million extension he signed last March.

Assistant general manager Brian O'Halloran said Monday that he expects Sale (elbow) to be back to full health when the Red Sox open spring training in February, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Boston has been pleased with the progress Sale has made in his recovery since being shut down for the season in mid-August with left elbow inflammation, an injury that he treated with a platelet-rich plasma injection rather than any sort of surgical procedure. Sale was initially in line to be re-examined by Dr. James Andrews in late September or early October, but O'Halloran noted that the southpaw has yet to make a follow-up appointment, per Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican. Though Sale may book a checkup with Dr. Andrews at some point later in the fall or winter, it's not expected that the meeting will have any bearing on his availability for the spring.

Assistant general manager Brian O'Halloran said Monday that he expects Sale (elbow) to be back to full health when the Red Sox open spring training in February, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Boston has been pleased with the progress Sale has made in his recovery since being shut down for the season in mid-August with left elbow inflammation, an injury that he treated with a platelet-rich plasma injection rather than any sort of surgical procedure. Sale was initially in line to be re-examined by Dr. James Andrews in late September or early October, but O'Halloran noted that the southpaw has yet to make a follow-up appointment, per Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican. Though Sale may book a checkup with Dr. Andrews at some point later in the fall or winter, it's not expected that the meeting will have any bearing on his availability for the spring.

Sale (elbow) is expected to resume throwing early in the offseason, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

A shaky season saw Sale record a 4.40 ERA before being shut down for elbow inflammation in mid-August, though that number came with a 3.39 FIP, a 2.94 xFIP and a 35.6 percent strikeout rate. If he is indeed able to resume throwing early in the offseason, that would seem to bode well for his readiness for the start of the 2020 campaign.

Boston transferred Sale (elbow) to the 60-day injured list Sunday.

The Red Sox already ruled Sale out for the remainder of the regular season after he required a platelet-rich plasma injection for his elbow Aug. 19, so the lefty's move to the 60-day IL is merely a formality. Boston selected Jhoulys Chacin's (lat) contract from Triple-A Pawtucket in a corresponding transactions.