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White Sox's Chris Sale: Gets team-imposed five-game suspension

The White Sox announced that Sale would serve a five-game suspension stemming from a clubhouse incident prior to Saturday's game against the Tigers. "Chris has been suspended for violating team rules, for insubordination and for destroying team equipment," GM Rick Hahn said in the team's official statement. "While we all appreciate Chris' talent and passion, there is a correct way and an incorrect way to express concerns about team rules and organizational expectations."

Analysis:

Sale's insubordinate behavior was reportedly related to his dissatisfaction with the throwback jerseys the White Sox were scheduled to wear for Saturday's game. The left-hander felt the jersey made him uncomfortable while pitching, and he demonstrated his disdain for the apparel by destroying multiple jerseys with a knife during the White Sox's scheduled batting practice. Sale's actions prompted the team to scratch him from his scheduled start and send him home for the day, and as of Sunday, he still has yet to rejoin the team, according to Dan Hayes of CSN Chicago. Manager Robin Ventura wouldn't comment on the specifics of Saturday's incident, but did say he was optimistic about Sale and the organization making amends. Sale's five-game suspension will be retroactive to Saturday, so he's expected to be back in time to make his next turn in the rotation Thursday against the Cubs. The White Sox recalled Anthony Ranaudo from Triple-A Charlotte to take Sale's spot on the roster while he's under suspension, but Ranaudo will presumably head back to the minors once Sale is activated prior to Thursday's game.

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