Report: Sale could return to Red Sox rotation after 1 more rehab start
The Boston Red Sox rotation might be getting a gigantic boost very soon.
Left-hander Chris Sale is expected to make at least one more minor-league rehab start, and he could be back in Boston's rotation by the middle of August, reports MLB Network's Jon Morosi.
Sale has been recovering from Tommy John surgery, and he hasn't pitched in a major-league game since August 2019.
The 32-year-old was terrific during a Triple-A start on Saturday, striking out seven batters across five frames while touching 96 mph with his fastball.
Boston's rotation, which started the season well but has been struggling lately, sits 13th in strikeouts per nine and 20th in ERA, according to FanGraphs.
Sale's addition should help to improve both areas. The southpaw owns a 3.03 ERA and 2,007 strikeouts over 1,629 2/3 innings over his 10-year career.
The Red Sox are battling for first place in the American League East. Boston is 1 1/2 games behind Tampa Bay after losing three games to the Rays in the club's last series.