Red Sox’s Sale has setback in recovery from fractured ribs

Red Sox left-hander Chris Sale suffered a setback in his recovery from a fractured rib cage suffered in late February, chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom said.

“He’s had a small, it’s a personal medical issue - it’s not orthopedic, it’s not COVID-related —- that paused his throwing for a little while,” Bloom said.

“It’s not baseball-related,” he added. “He should be back throwing in a matter of days.”

When asked if that will push Sale’s potential return from the 60-day injured list in early June to later that month, Bloom said, “I think, roughly speaking, we were hoping to have him back around when he was eligible. I think we’re talking a few weeks [later] -- that’s to have him back to start a major league game.”

The Red Sox signed Sale to a five-year, $145 million contract in March 2019. Since then, he went just 6-11 with a 4.40 ERA in ‘19 before he had Tommy John surgery on his 31st birthday — March 30, 2020.

Brewers

Outfielder Andrew McCutchen tested positive for COVID-19. McCutchen returned to the team hotel in Atlanta and was placed on the COVID-19 injured list. The Brewers called up infielder Mike Brosseau from Class AAA Nashville.

Mariners

Seattle is calling up righthander George Kirby, one of the best pitching prospects in baseball. Kirby, who was scratched from his start for Class AA Arkansas

Saturday, will be making his major league debut for the Mariners against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday, sources said. The Mariners on Thursday had optioned young right-handed starter Matt Brash to Class AAA Tacoma, with the plan to transition him to a bullpen role for the rest of the season.

Phillies

Infielder Didi Gregorius was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left knee sprain. The move is retroactive to Thursday, a day after Gregorius and outfielder

Kyle Schwarber collided on a single to short left in the seventh inning of an eventual 2-1 loss to the Texas Rangers.

Cardinals

St. Louis placed righthander Adam Wainwright on the injured list late Friday. In a tweet, the veteran starter said he tested positive for COVID-19 but has no symptoms. “Just so everyone knows, I feel great. 100%, with zero symptoms,” he wrote. Wainwright is scheduled to start Tuesday’s game against Baltimore.