Sale progressing, targets June return
BOSTON — Chris Sale has resumed playing catch after having a setback recently, which is significant progress as the Red Sox left-hander targets a June return.
“Where we were a few weeks ago, to that, that’s a big step,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said.
Sale suffered a stress fracture in his right rib cage in March, which eventually led to the Red Sox placing him on the 60-day injured list to start the season. He is eligible to return in early June, but Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom said on May 7 that Sale had a “personal medical issue” that required him to stop throwing. Bloom said that pushed Sale’s return timetable at least a few weeks, making it likely Sale will be back in late June at the earliest.
Sale is one of several Red Sox pitchers trying to work their way back from injuries.
Right-hander Michael Wacha, who’s on the injured list with left intercostal irritation, threw a two-inning simulated game of about 35 pitches at Fenway Park on Monday. He is eligible to come off the injured list Friday, and he could potentially start a game then or after.
“Let’s see how it feels after that, how he feels tomorrow, then we’ll make a decision if it’s right after, when he can come out on Friday, or Saturday,” Cora said.
Left-hander James Paxton has not resumed throwing yet after developing posterior elbow soreness a few weeks ago as he rehabs from Tommy John surgery. He’s continuing to receive regular treatment.
“Nothing on the field, but feeling a lot better,” Cora said.
Left-hander Josh Taylor was transferred to the 60-day injured list over the weekend after recently suffering a setback in his recovery from the back strain that’s kept him out since spring training. He won’t be eligible to return until July.
“Obviously disappointed that it wasn’t as quick as he thought, but he’s going to keep getting treatment, keep getting better, and hopefully he can progress to do what he needs to do when he comes back,” Cora said.