Sale shuts down the Sox in the first game against his former team originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
A change of scenery has helped Chris Sale regain his All-Star form early in the 2024 season. His strong start continued Wednesday night against his former team.
Now with the Atlanta Braves, Sale pitched against the Boston Red Sox for the first time since he was traded for second baseman Vaughn Grissom in December. The veteran left-hander allowed six hits with 10 strikeouts and one walk in a season-high six scoreless innings.
Grissom accounted for two of Sale’s 10 strikeouts, including his first in the top of the first inning:
Vintage Sale was on display, something Sox fans haven’t seen since the 2018 World Series season:
Sale, 35, entered the 2024 campaign with just 31 starts since 2020 due to a host of injuries. The last five of his seven seasons with Boston were marred by Tommy John surgery, a broken rib, a broken pinky finger, a broken wrist and a stress fracture in his left shoulder.
Before his start, Sale was asked what message he would like to send to Red Sox fans after his tumultuous tenure with the club.
“I can probably sum it up in three words. Thank you and I’m sorry.” he told NESN’s Jahmai Webster.
With Wednesday’s gem, Sale lowered his ERA to 2.95 in seven starts. The six-time top-three Cy Young finalist has 52 strikeouts in 42.2 innings pitched.
Atlanta won Wednesday’s matchup 5-0 to sweep the two-game series.