Chris Sale, Boston Red Sox. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
The Boston Red Sox need to be cautious with ace Chris Sale in his return from injury, despite his electric debut against the Baltimore Orioles.
Sale threw five innings of two-run ball against the lowly Orioles, making for a solid season debut and, frankly, went better than expected given the fact that he hadn’t taken a major league bump in two years. His next outing will be against another bottom-feeder in the Texas Rangers.
While the Red Sox will slowly ramp up Sale’s innings, and with it the fanbase’s expectations, they need to be prepared for the worst as well. Boston needs more innings-eaters on the pitching staff, as Sale will likely be limited down the stretch as the Red Sox prepare for (what they hope) is a postseason appearance.
Red Sox should call up Tanner Houck as Chris Sale insurance
Houck was up in the majors just last week, and had a decent appearance with the major-league club. In fact, manager Alex Cora even stated that Huock needed a little more time in the minors, but to expect another call-up this September.
“Probably not, for now. But, yeah, he’ll be with us soon, I guess,” Cora said when asked if Houck would remain in Boston. “We still have some flexibility in the roster in the upcoming days. That’s something we’re going to talk with Chaim (Bloom) and the the group when we’re done with you guys. But he’s still contributing. He’ll contribute again soon with us, put it that way.”
Houck threw five innings and gave up three runs against the division-leading Rays. Those numbers aren’t so bad, and should earn Houck another stint in the rotation shortly.