Zachary Engberg
2 min read • July 13, 2022
Posted in
Red Sox Southpaw Chris Sale tossed five scoreless innings in his season debut on Tuesday night, making the first in what will be a host of key returns this week.
The 33-year-old gave up three and struck out five Rays' batters in 78 pitches, close to the team's target of 85 pitches.
Sale suffered a stress fracture in his ribcage in February and is only 12 starts removed from Tommy John surgery in March 2020.
The Pro Baseball Docs remain confident that Sale is fully recovered from the significant injuries, giving him a SIC score of 90 for the playoff-seeking Red Sox.
Alex Cora told reporters that right-handers Nathan Eovaldi and Garrett Whitlock are is expected to come off of the 15-day IL and start Friday and Saturday against the rival Yankees.
Eovaldi last pitched on June 8, striking out five in five scoreless innings before lower back inflammation took him out.
The 32-year-old has once again been a horse for the Red Sox, posting a 3.16 ERA and 1.10 WHIP with 72 strikeouts in 68.1 innings.
Whitlock was placed on the 15-day IL on June 9 with left hip inflammation.
After a dominant first month Whitlock struggled over his past six starts, allowing a 5.33 ERA and .303 opponent batting average with 20 strikeouts.
Boston is 5-10 since June 27 behind a mish-mash starting rotation.
Written by Zachary Engberg
Five shutout frames for Chris Sale in his return.
