Red Sox SP Chris Sale Undergoes Successful Tommy John Surgery

Red Sox's pitcher Chris Sale in 2018
Red Sox's pitcher Chris Sale in 2018. Photo by Albert Pena/CSM/REX/Shutterstock (9663927cj)

Boston Red Sox left-handed starting pitcher Chris Sale underwent successful ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgery, commonly known as “Tommy John surgery,” on Monday after being injured during Spring Training.

Sale, who turned 31-years-old over the weekend, is a seven-time American League All Star and has twice led the league in strikeouts during his years with the White Sox and the Red Sox.

The hard-throwing lefty got off to a rough start to the Spring Training season in February, missing the first couple of weeks of camp due to a case of pneumonia. After that, while building up arm strength, he reportedly suffered the ulnar collateral ligament injury.

The Florida native had no choice but to undergo reconstructive surgery, a procedure with a lengthy rehab period. Normally, players miss around 14-16 months before they are allowed to return to the playing field after undergoing the surgery.

Sale had a disappointing 2019 season after being lights-out for Boston during his first two seasons with the club. He posted an uncharacteristic 4.40 ERA, surrendering 1.47 home runs per nine innings.

Now, Sale will focus on rehabilitation and getting back to the mound as quickly as possible in the 2021 season. His five-year, $145 million contract with the club ends after the 2024 season.

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