Report: Sale sent home after cutting up throwback uniforms in protest

The Chicago White Sox sent left-hander Chris Sale home Saturday due to a front-office incident that reportedly started with a disagreement about the club's throwback uniforms.

"Sale asked that they not wear (throwbacks) on his day because they are uncomfortable," a source told Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. "Things escalated when they wouldn't relent."

The 27-year-old was removed from the clubhouse just hours before his start against the Detroit Tigers after he reportedly went as far as cutting up the throwback jerseys during batting practice. Sale was upset because he believed the organization was more concerned with a PR move than winning games, sources told Rosenthal.

White Sox general manager Rich Hahn released a statement prior to the game, but didn't mention specifics about the incident.

"Chris Sale has been scratched from tonight's scheduled start and sent home from the ballpark by the White Sox due to a clubhouse incident before the game," Hahn said in a statement. "The incident, which was non-physical in nature, currently is under investigation by the club.

"The White Sox will have no additional comment until the investigation is complete."

It's not the first time this season that Sale has taken issue with the front office. Sale and White Sox vice president Ken Williams were involved in a confrontation earlier this season after the team stopped allowing Adam LaRoche's son Drake into the locker room. Sale called the decision "B.S." and said Williams told the team a "bald-faced" lie.

It is not believed, however, that Saturday's incident involved Williams, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

Once believed the long-term ace of the club, Sale has found his name in trade rumors the past two weeks as the White Sox debate whether or not to rebuild. The front-runner for the American League Cy Young, Sale is enjoying another strong season. In 19 starts, he's 14-3 with a 3.18 ERA and 1.01 WHIP.