Levine: Chris Sale Dominant In Minor League Start
By Bruce Levine--
GLENDALE, Ariz. (CBS) -- The die is cast, and the return of ace Chris Sale to the White Sox rotation appears on schedule for April 12 at U.S. Cellular Field.
In his first spring start, Sale was dominant in his six innings of work, striking out 13 Cincinnati Reds minor leaguers. The venue was a back field at Camelback Ranch, and his pitch count got up to 90. Sale allowed two hits, one an opposite-field homer. Sale reported no ill effects from the injured right foot that kept him out of action for three weeks.
"Everything feels fine," Sale said. "Everything seems to be exactly where they need to be. I threw 90 pitches. It felt great, so I should be ready to pitch when they need me."
That will be Sunday, April 12 at home against the Twins. In the meantime, Sale will stay in Arizona and make one more minor league start Monday before rejoining his teammates for the opening home weekend in Chicago. The White Sox open the season Monday against the Royals in Kansas City.
"I imagine I will ramp it up to 105 or so pitches, but then again they like to cut back in the last one," Sale said. "I don't know for sure."
Sale lit up the radar gun consistently Wednesday, hitting 96 mph. He was hurt on Feb. 27 in some sort of moving accident. Sale broke a bone in his right foot and strained ligaments.
Missing Opening Day in Kansas City won't be a huge deal to Sale.
"We have a great clubhouse," he said. "We have guys ready to win. Not win for themselves, but for each other. That's what it takes."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
