Sale doesn’t make start

White Sox ace is sent home after clubhouse incident.

Chicago White Sox ace Chris Sale was scratched from his start against the Detroit Tigers on Saturday night after he was involved in what the team said was a “non-physical clubhouse incident.”

Sale, who was to attempt to become the majors’ first 15-game winner, was sent home from the park.

“The incident, which was non-physical in nature, currently is under further investigation by the club,” general manager Rick Hahn said in a statement. “The White Sox will have no additional comment until the investigation is completed.”

FanRag Sports reported the incident involved Sale’s protest of the throwback jerseys the team was scheduled to wear. Fox Sports reported Sale cut up the throwback jerseys during batting practice.

The White Sox marketing department described the night as the “Throwback Game.” It announced the team would wear collared, blue and white V-neck jerseys first worn during the 1976 season.

The players instead wore more conventional, throwback white jerseys with no collar and no navy.

Right-hander Matt Albers started in Sale’s place. The crowd booed when Albers was announced as the starter as the teams warmed up.

With the White Sox fading from playoff contention, Sale (14-3, 3.18 ERA) has been mentioned as a possible trade target for contending teams.

The left-hander, 27, has been outspoken in the past. He was openly critical of team President Ken Williams during spring training when he said the son of teammate Adam LaRoche would no longer be allowed in the clubhouse.

LaRoche retired as a result, and Sale hung LaRoche’s jersey in his locker.

Sale has been selected as an All-Star five times. He started for the American League in this month’s AllStar Game.

Athletics:

Catcher Stephen Vogt was placed on family medical leave, and catcher Bruce Maxwell was recalled from Triple-A.

Infielder Chris Owings (inflamed arch in his left foot) was activated off the 15-day disabled list. Owings was hitting .285 with two homers and 18 RBIs in 54 games before going on the DL. Arizona also put infielder Nick Ahmed on the 15-day DL with a sore right hip.

Catcher Cameron Rupp left Saturday’s game in the third inning after being struck on the left ear flap of his batting helmet by a pitch from Pirates rookie Tyler Glasnow. Rupp was examined by doctors and found to have no concussion symptoms.

Rookie righthander Tyler Glasnow was removed from his second major league start in the fourth inning Saturday with shoulder discomfort in his throwing arm.

Top Cuban prospect Jorge Ona, a 19-yearold outfielder, agreed to a minor league contract with a $7 million signing bonus.

First baseman Chris Colabello was reinstated from the restricted list after serving an 80-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs. Colabello is expected to be assigned to Triple-A Buffalo.

Diamondbacks: Phillies: Pirates: Padres: Blue Jays: