Sale all set for Sunday return to White Sox' rotation

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Barring an unexpected change, the White Sox are going to get their best pitcher back on Sunday.

Chris Sale missed the entire exhibition season after fracturing his right foot in late February.

The 26-year-old starter was back on the mound for the second time Monday, throwing 72 pitches in a minor-league game. In 5 innings, Sale allowed 1 run on 3 hits. He also had 7 strikeouts.

"He came through feeling great," Sox general manager Rick Hahn said. "In terms of the target date of having him back this weekend, this was the last hurdle."

Sale is scheduled to join the White Sox in Kansas City on Tuesday and start against the Twins on Sunday at U.S. Cellular Field.

Difficult division:

The Detroit Tigers have finished first in the division from 2011-14, the Kansas City Royals were in the World Series last year, the Cleveland Indians have had winning records and one playoff appearance in manager Terry Francona's first two seasons, and the White Sox made some major roster upgrades over the winter.

A strong case can be made for the AL Central being the toughest division in baseball this season.

"I haven't spent quite enough time breaking down the parity in the other divisions, but I know that you've got the defending AL champs in here, a team that has won the division four years in a row, and a Cleveland team that a lot of people are predicting to be in the postseason," Rick Hahn said. "We have high expectations and, as I've said before, any Terry Ryan run club (Minnesota Twins) that is introducing young players is a team to be feared.

"I don't think anyone is going to run away and hide with this. I think it's going to come down to September. It's going to be tight, in my belief."

Lineup change:

Conor Gillaspie originally was listed as the Sox' No. 6 hitter for Monday's opener, followed by Alexei Ramirez.

Before the game, manager Robin Ventura changed the order.

"You just kind of rethink it and shuffle it a bit," Ventura said. "(Ramirez) has been swinging it good, and I like having him right there."

Ramirez batted .297 in spring training and led the White Sox with 17 RBI.