Red Sox exercise options on Sale, Kimbrel

If there was any doubt about whether the Boston Red Sox would exercise the 2018 contract options on left-handed ace Chris Sale and closer Craig Kimbrel, the team put them to rest on Thursday.

The Red Sox announced they exercised the options for both players, keeping them with the team for next season.

Sale's club option was for $12.5 million, while Kimbrel's was $13 million.

The 28-year-old Sale posted fantastic numbers during his first season with the Red Sox, going 17-8 with a 2.90 ERA and a MLB-leading 308 strikeouts.

Kimbrel, 29, was a dominating 5-0 with a 1.43 ERA. He also saved 35 games and struck out 126 hitters in 69 innings.

In corresponding moves, left-hander Robbie Ross Jr. and infielder Josh Rutledge were outrighted from the major-league roster. Both elected to become free agents.