Levine: Chris Sale Keeping White Sox In Playoff Picture
By Bruce Levine--
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Ace left-hander Chris Sale continues to keep the Chicago White Sox in the American League playoff picture.
On Sunday, Sale won his MLB-best 13th game, leading the White Sox to a 5-2 victory against the Blue Jays at U.S. Cellular Field. He has now won 13 of Chicago's 38 games this season. At 38-38, the White Sox trail the Blue Jays by 2.5 games for the second AL wild-card spot.
Sale had the help of solid run support from the offense. He went eight innings, allowing two runs while throwing 99 pitches, saving the worn-out bullpen any more stress after a hectic week of less-than-stellar stating pitching. Closer David Robertson had an easy ninth inning, picking up his 20th save of the season.
Sale allowed five hits and walked two while striking out seven.
"He was fantastic," manager Robin Ventura said. "That was especially true with the wind blowing out, and we knew the ball was going to carry. He got the double play when we needed it, and the defense was strong as well."
Chicago won its second straight series for the first time since April 27. The White Sox took three of four from the Red Sox in Boston before winning two of three from the Blue Jays this weekend.
"I really like the way we are playing," Ventura said. "Offensively, we are swinging the bat a little bit, solid defense along with it. That is a good sign for us to do that. The pitchers are getting back to being healthy. I like the way this is headed."
Sale is the odds-on favorite to start for the AL in the All-Star Game in San Diego on July 12. A perennial All-Star, Sale will be making his fifth consecutive trip to the Midsummer Classic.
He's 13-2 with a 2.79 ERA and 0.98 WHIP.
"That is for you guys to talk about," Sale said about possibly starting the All-Star Game. "I have a couple of more starts before then. I have work to do before we play it."
As of now, Sale is on schedule for two more starts before the All-Star Game. He will pitch next Saturday against the Astros and then Friday, July 8 against the Braves. That would give him three days of rest before the All-Star Game on July 12.
Sale recorded his 70th career win Sunday, for a lifetime mark of 70-42. On Friday, he talked to his mentor and White Sox icon, Mark Buerhle, who was in town with his family as a visitor. Buehrle stopped by to see his friend and only remaining teammate from the 2011 team.
"It was definitely good to see him," Sale said. "Any time you see a guy like that come around, it gives you a boost. He looks good, and he looks like he can pitch again. More than anything I learned from his was being a professional, taking the ball every five days. He took the ball more than anybody. That, plus pace of play. He showed me how to get the ball and go. No one wants to be out there too long. Get the ball and go and be a pro."
While Sale is 13-2, the rest of the White Sox starters are 14-26. He's keeping the team afloat.
"He is the best pitcher in the league," Ventura said. "Whether I am biased or not, he is the best."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.