Report: Red Sox taking cautious approach with Sale's Tommy John recovery

It appears like Chris Sale will be returning to the Boston Red Sox later rather than sooner.

The Red Sox are expected to be cautious with the left-hander's recovery from Tommy John surgery, sources told ESPN's Buster Olney.

Sale underwent surgery March 30. Players usually require 12-to-15 months to recover from the procedure.

While the Red Sox would love to have the 31-year-old contribute in 2021, they'd prefer to take a conservative approach, according to Olney.

Sale is entering the second season of a five-year, $145-million contract extension he signed with the Red Sox in 2019.

During his three seasons in Boston, Sale owns a 35-23 record with a 3.08 ERA and 13.2 K/9 in 84 starts.

Sale helped the Red Sox win the World Series in 2018.