Red Sox ace Chris Sale will face another extended absence from action after receiving an unfortunate update on his health exactly one week after landing on the 15-day injured list.
Boston announced Friday that Sale, 34, has been transferred to the 60-day injured list as he continues to deal with left shoulder inflammation. The move will sideline the veteran lefty for at least the next two months, setting him up for a possible return some time in August.
Friday’s news marks the latest setback for the oft-injured Sale, who last appeared on the mound against the Reds on June 1. The seven-time All-Star was removed from the contest at Fenway Park in the fourth inning due to shoulder soreness after meeting with the medical staff twice during the game.
Prior to exiting against Cincinnati, Sale recorded six strikeouts while allowing five hits and one run in 3.2 innings pitched. On the year, Sale (5–2) has played fairly well in his seventh season in Boston, recording a 4.58 ERA with 71 strikeouts in 59 innings of work.
While Sale’s exact return timeline remains unknown, the 2018 World Series champion has showed a propensity for overcoming adversity throughout his time with the Red Sox.
Over the last five years, Sale has dealt with lingering elbow and shoulder issues, missed the 2020 season and most of the ’21 campaign while recovering from Tommy John surgery and battled through numerous ailments, including a broken wrist, in ’22.
