Red Sox use Sale in relief during Game 4 of ALDS

The Boston Red Sox called upon their ace in Game 4 of the American League Division Series, deploying left-hander Chris Sale from the bullpen in the eighth inning against the New York Yankees.

Ahead 4-1, the Red Sox had already used Matt Barnes and Ryan Brasier in relief after a five-inning performance from Rick Porcello.

Sale was tasked with facing Gleyber Torres, pinch hitter Andrew McCutchen, and Aaron Hicks. He set them down in order, inducing a flyout, a groundout, and a strikeout.

After a 13-pitch eighth from Sale, Boston went with closer Craig Kimbrel for the ninth.

The 29-year-old started Game 1 of the series against the Yankees, picking up the victory after allowing two earned runs off of five hits and striking out eight in 5 1/3 innings.

This is the second time the left-hander has made a relief appearance in the postseason, coming out of the bullpen during Game 4 of the 2017 ALDS against the Houston Astros. He went 4 2/3 innings, taking the loss after allowing two runs on four hits while striking out six.