Sox ace Sale returns to mound, tries to move past controversial suspension
After serving a five-game suspension for snapping out and cutting up the 1976 throwback uniforms the Chicago White Sox were supposed to wear last Saturday night at U.S. Cellular Field, Chris Sale returned to the mound Thursday night at Wrigley Field.
When the game ended - the Sox lost to the Cubs 3-1 - an overflow crowd of media awaited. And given the cramped conditions in Wrigley's visiting clubhouse, the White Sox wisely brought Sale to the dugout for more comfortable questioning.
Not surprisingly, few if any inquiries concerned Sale's outing against the Cubs. For the record, the ace left-hander pitched 6 innings and allowed 2 runs on 6 hits and 3 walks. Sale also had 4 strikeouts and threw 111 pitches in his first start since July 18.
Predictably, the questions centered on Sale's bizarre behavior.
Why did you do it?
"I don't want to get too far into it," Sale said. "I want to put this stuff behind me. I really do. It's counterproductive to winning ballgames talking about it and bringing it back up. We're here to win games and we're in a decent spot to make a push, so regroup and come back every day and try to win."
What was it like being away from the Sox for five games?
"I felt like I was out on an island, really," Sale said. "Seven o'clock rolls around and I usually know what's going on. Sitting at the house (stinks)."
Any regrets?
"I regret not being there for my guys," he said. "I'm a pitcher. I'm called upon every fifth day and when I can't go out there for my guys and the fans it gets to me."
A big crowd of 32,527 was at the Cell on Saturday night, and many were there to see Sale show why he has been the best starter in the American League this season.
Instead, they got to see Matt Albers make a 2-inning spot start in a game eventually suspended by rain.
"I'm sorry to them as well," Sale said of the fan base. "They came out to watch me pitch the day I didn't pitch. They're the reason we're here.
"The fans, they come out, and we have great fans. They're very loyal. They wear their hearts on their sleeves, and it stinks when they want me to go out there and I don't show up."
There is a growing belief Sale destroyed the 1976 throwbacks because the White Sox are threatening to rebuild and the 27-year-old pitcher doesn't want to be the centerpiece of a youth movement.
"I have not," Sale said when asked if he's requested a trade. "I don't know what the plans are. I come in every day and prepare myself the best I can and try to win ballgames."
Signed through 2019 with the Sox, does Sale want to stay on the South Side?
"I hope so," he said. "I do. I have a group of unbelievable guys in there. My teammates, I knew who they were before this, but I found out who they really are and what they're about. I have unbelievable teammates, I really do, and I appreciate them, and I'm glad I'm surrounded by this group of guys, no doubt."
Scouting report
White Sox vs. Minnesota Twins at Target Field
TV: Comcast SportsNet Friday and Sunday; WPWR Saturday
Radio: WLS 890-AM
Pitching matchups: The White Sox's Jose Quintana (8-8) vs. Ricky Nolasco (4-8) Friday at 7:10 p.m.; Miguel Gonzalez (2-5) vs. Tommy Milone (3-3) Saturday at 6:10 p.m.; TBA vs. Ervin Santana (3-9) Sunday at 1:10 p.m.
At a glance: The Sox are 8-1 vs. the Twins this season (3-0 on the road). Quintana is 3-0 with a 2.10 ERA in 4 July starts. In 2 starts vs. Minnesota this year, Quintana is 2-1 with a 2.70 ERA. Carlos Rodon, who has been on the disabled list with a sprained left wrist and hasn't started since July 5, is likely to take the mound for the White Sox on Sunday. Rookie shortstop Tim Anderson has hit safely in 30 of his first 41 games.
Next: Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park, Tuesday-Thursday
- Scot Gregor