Sale could travel with Red Sox as return looms

The second-place Boston Red Sox might be getting reinforcements shortly.

Chris Sale, who's nearly 15 months removed from Tommy John surgery, has rejoined the team at Fenway Park, is throwing bullpen sessions, and the veteran could travel with the club as he nears a return.

"He's gonna be with us this homestand," Alex Cora said, according to Rob Bradford of WEEI. "He might travel with us. He's throwing a bullpen today. ... He is in a great place. He feels great, he's excited for what happened this weekend, obviously excited about where we are.

"The way he put it is like, 'Man when I come back, what am I gonna do? I'm throwing the ball well.' You don't have to worry about that. Just get healthy, be ready, and I know he's going to contribute."

While a return timeline hasn't been revealed, Cora says the team is "very pleased with the way the rehab is going." The skipper also notes there's a "good chance" Sale throws live batting practice in the coming days.

The 32-year-old hasn't appeared in a game since August 2019, when he was originally sidelined with elbow inflammation. After the injury was initially deemed non-surgical, the left-hander wound up undergoing Tommy John surgery in March 2020.

Over three seasons with the Red Sox, the seven-time All-Star has authored a 3.08 ERA and 2.57 FIP while making 84 starts.

Boston is currently on a five-game winning streak that includes a three-game sweep of the division-rival New York Yankees. They're a half-game back of the first-place Tampa Bay Rays with a 37-23 record.