Key Takeaways:
– Chris Sale, the former Red Sox leader, will make his first start against his previous team since being traded to the Atlanta Braves.
– Red Sox manager, Alex Cora, expresses his anticipation for the matchup and is proud of Sale’s progression at Atlanta.
– Since his move to Atlanta, Chris Sale has remained healthy, securing a 4-1 record along with a 3.44 ERA and 42 strikeouts across six starts.
– The news of the trade to get second baseman Vaughn Grissom was initially met with excitement, however, his debut was delayed due to health issues.
Anticipation Surrounds Sale’s Match Against Former Team
Chris Sale, who left a lasting imprint on the Boston Red Sox, will be returning to the diamond in a different uniform. Scheduled to start for the Atlanta Braves in a series finale against the Red Sox on May 8, the hard-throwing lefty will face off against his old teammates for the first time since his departure in 2017. This early season spectacle has stirred a wave of excitement among Red Sox fans who are eagerly awaiting the matchup.
Red Sox manager, Alex Cora, recently conveyed his anticipation and appreciation for Sale during a game in Minnesota. He also addressed the impactful trade which saw Sale joining the Braves, in exchange for young second baseman Vaughn Grissom coming to Boston. Cora acknowledged both teams benefited from the trade.
Turning a New Leaf with the Braves
While Sale was hindered by injuries during much of his time with the Red Sox, he seems to have found his footing in Atlanta. Since the trade last December, he has been in good health and is exhibiting excellent form. With a 4-1 record, a 3.44 ERA, a 0.96 WHIP and 42 strikeouts from only six starts, Sale is undeniably off to a promising 2024 season.
Remembering Sale’s Solid Impact on the Red Sox
Chris Sale was a key figure during his service from 2018 to 2023 with the Red Sox. He achieved an impressive 3.27 ERA across 115 starts and most notably, led them to victory in the 2018 World Series. Sale’s contributions during that postseason still resonate with fans, making his wish of a successful mound visit against his former club on May 8 all the more interesting.
Vaughn Grissom’s Delayed But Promising Debut
While all eyes are on Sale’s return, Red Sox followers are equally intrigued by new addition Vaughn Grissom. Initially promised to fill a void at second base, his debut was delayed due to a hamstring injury, and later, the flu. Grissom finally emerged on May 3 and although he didn’t get any hits on his debut, he made impressive strides in his second start on May 5, proving to be a valuable addition to the Red Sox. On that day, he marked his place with a double that drove home two runners, giving the Red Sox a comfortable lead.
As Sale prepares for his Atlanta debut against the Red Sox, fans and management alike anticipate a gripping showdown. It might be especially enthralling to see Grissom in the lineup against Sale — a nod to the trade that brought both athletes to their current teams.