| Chris Sale | |
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg) Sale with the Boston Red Sox in 2017 | |
| Atlanta Braves – No. 51 | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1989-03-30)March 30, 1989 (age 36) Lakeland, Florida, U.S. | |
Bats: Left Throws: Left | |
| MLB debut | |
| August 6, 2010, for the Chicago White Sox | |
| MLB statistics (through 2025 season) | |
| Win–loss record | 145–88 |
| Earned run average | 3.01 |
| Strikeouts | 2,579 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
| |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Christopher Allen Sale (born March 30, 1989) is an American professionalbaseballpitcher for theAtlanta Braves ofMajor League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for theChicago White Sox andBoston Red Sox. He throws left-handed and is 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) tall.
A native ofLakeland, Florida, located within theTampa Bay area, Sale playedcollege baseball forFlorida Gulf Coast University. The Chicago White Sox selected him 13th overall in the2010 MLB draft and he made his MLB debut on August 6, 2010. He was traded to the Boston Red Sox prior to the 2017 season and was a key member of their pitching rotation that helped the team win the2018 World Series.
Sale was anMLB All-Star for seven consecutive seasons from 2012 to 2018 and led theAmerican League (AL) in strikeouts in 2015 and 2017. After reaching 300 strikeouts in a single season for the first time in 2017, he was selected as the ALSporting News Starting Pitcher of the Year. Sale was the quickest to reach 2,000 career strikeouts in the fewest innings pitched (1,626). After a string of injuries derailed his final few years in Boston, Sale was traded to the Braves following the 2023 season and was later named to his eighth All-Star Game in 2024, as well as winning his firstCy Young Award,Triple Crown andGold Glove Award. Sale was again named an All-Star in 2025.
Christopher Allen Sale was born on March 30, 1989, inLakeland, Florida. He attended and graduated fromLakeland Senior High School,[1] where he played basketball and baseball.[2] After his senior year for the Dreadnaughts, Sale was drafted in the 21st round of the2007 Major League Baseball draft by theColorado Rockies, but chose not to sign and instead attendedFlorida Gulf Coast University.[3]
Sale playedcollege baseball for theFlorida Gulf Coast Eagles baseball team under head coachDave Tollett.[4] During the 2010 season at FGCU, Sale posted an 11–0win–loss record and a 2.01 ERA over 17 games.[5] Sale pitched 103 innings while recording 146 strikeouts and 14 walks.[5] He led theNCAA in strikeouts at the end of the regular season.[6] Sale was named theAtlantic Sun Conference Pitcher of the Year and theCollegiate Baseball Player of the Year.[7] He is one of four Eagles to play in the major leagues, along with pitchersJacob Barnes,Richard Bleier, andCasey Coleman.[8]
Like many top college players, Sale spent the NCAA offseason pitching incollegiate baseball summer leagues. In 2008, he was an All-Star for theLa Crosse Loggers of theNorthwoods League, and it was during his time inWisconsin that coaches suggested he adopt his now distinctive sidearm arm angle.[9][10] In the summer of 2009, Sale pitched for theYarmouth-Dennis Red Sox of theCape Cod Baseball League, where he posted a record of 4–2 with an earned run average of 1.47 and 57 strikeouts,[11][12] was named MVP of the league's All-Star Game atFenway Park,[13] and received the league's Outstanding Pitcher award.[14]
Sale was drafted by the White Sox with the 13th overall selection in the first round of the2010 MLB draft.[15] Once Sale signed with the White Sox in 2010, he was assigned to the White Sox'Class A affiliateWinston-Salem Dash.[16] Sale pitched in four games with a 2.25 ERA in four innings, while giving up three hits and one earned run while walking two and striking out four during his tenure with the Dash.[17] Sale was then promoted to the White Sox'Triple-A affiliateCharlotte Knights.[16] While there, Sale pitched in seven games earning a 2.84 ERA in6+1⁄3 innings, while giving up three hits and two earned runs while walking four and striking out 15.[17]
Sale was called up to the majors for the first time on August 4, 2010, and made his MLB debut on August 6, against theBaltimore Orioles in the eighth inning.[18] He was the first 2010 draft pick to be promoted to the majors and got his first major league save on September 1, 2010, against theCleveland Indians.[19] In 21 appearances in his rookie year, Sale went 2–1 with a 1.93 ERA, 32 strikeouts, and 4 saves.[20]
During the2011 season, Sale made 58 appearances out of the bullpen with a 2–2 record, a 2.79 ERA, 8 saves, and 79 strikeouts.[21]
Sale made the transition to a starting pitcher for the 2012 season. On May 28, Sale struck out a career-high 15 batters in7+1⁄3 innings during a 2–1 victory over theTampa Bay Rays. Sale's 15strikeouts are tied for second most in franchise history withEddie Cicotte,Ed Walsh, andJim Scott.Jack Harshman andLance Lynn hold the White Sox team record with 16 strikeouts in a game.[22] Sale was named theAmerican League Pitcher of the Month for May with a record of 4–1, an ERA of 1.71, 35 strikeouts and a .181 opponents' average over six games.[23]
Sale was chosen by American All-Star managerRon Washington to pitch in the83rd All-Star Game in Kansas City. This marked Sale's first All-Star appearance.[24]
During the2012 season, Sale compiled a 17–8 record, a 3.05 ERA, and 192 strikeouts in 192 innings pitched. He ended up finishing sixth in voting for the AL Cy Young Award.[25]
On March 7, 2013, Sale and the White Sox agreed on a five-year, $32 million contract with two option years depending on the team.[26][27][28]
On May 12, 2013, Sale threw a one-hit shutout during a 3–0 Sox victory over theLos Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Sale took a perfect game into the seventh inning. With one out in the top of the seventh inning,Mike Trout singled up the middle for the only hit of the game. Sale finished the game with 7 strikeouts and no walks, allowing Trout as the only base runner.[29] Sale began the 2013 season with a 6–8 record and a 2.85 ERA. He was named an All-Star for the 2nd season in a row. Sale came on to pitch for the 2nd and 3rd innings, allowing no hits, no runs, no walks, and striking out two NL hitters. He was named the winning pitcher for the American League, which wonthe game 3–0.[30]
In 30 starts of the 2013 season, Sale had an AL-leading 4 complete games, an 11–14 record, 226 strikeouts, and a 3.07 ERA in 214.1 innings pitched. He received one of the lowest run supports in the AL. Sale ended up finishing in fifth place in Cy Young votes for 2013.[31]
On April 21, Sale was placed on the 15-daydisabled list after sustaining aflexor strain in his left (pitching) elbow.[32] During his first start off the disabled list against theNew York Yankees on May 22, 2014, Sale retired the first 17 batters in a row before allowing a single byZoilo Almonte. He struck out 10 in 6 innings pitched as the White Sox won the game 3–2.[33] During a game against the Angels on June 7, 2014, Sale had a 5–0 lead but surrendered 5 runs all in the 7th inning that featured a grand slam byMike Trout. Sale continued his dominance on the mound, winning eight of his first nine decisions and carrying an 8–1 record and 2.08 ERA into the All-Star break.
After not initially making the All-Star roster, Sale was voted into the game by fans (alongsideCubs first basemanAnthony Rizzo) as part of the "Final Vote."[34] Sale joined all-star teammatesJose Abreu andAlexei Ramírez in the All-Star Game inMinneapolis.
Sale finished the season with a 12–4 record, 208 strikeouts in 174 innings pitched, and a 2.17 ERA, second-best in the American League. He finished third in voting for the AL Cy Young award, behind winnerCorey Kluber andFélix Hernández.[35]
Sale started the 2015 year on the disabled list due to a foot injury. He returned on April 12, pitching 6 innings with 8 strikeouts in a 6–2 victory over theMinnesota Twins.[36] During a game against theKansas City Royals on April 23, 2015, Sale was warned by home plate umpireSam Holbrook after hittingMike Moustakas with a pitch. Later on, Sale was involved in a bench-clearing brawl after his teammate Adam Eaton grounded out toYordano Ventura. Sale was one of five players to be ejected for his role in the brawl as the White Sox lost to the Royals 2–3 in 13 innings.[37] On April 25, Sale was suspended for 5 games.[38]
In a June 8 win over theHouston Astros, Sale struck out 14 batters. On June 19, Sale had his 5th consecutive game with 12 or more strikeouts, tying a major league record. Also, on June 19, Sale had his 6th consecutive game with 10 or more strikeouts. On June 30 against the St. Louis Cardinals, Sale struck out 12 batters to tie a major league record with his eighth consecutive start of 10 or more strikeouts. He shared the record withPedro Martínez, who accomplished the feat while pitching for theBoston Red Sox in 1999.[39]
On October 2, versus theDetroit Tigers, Sale set the franchise record for number of strikeouts in a season. The previous record of 269 strikeouts in a season was held by Hall of FamerEd Walsh in 1908. He accomplished the feat in 464 innings, while Sale's 270th strikeout came amid his 203rd inning of 2015.[40] He finished the season 13–11 with a 3.41 ERA, and led the majors in strikeouts per 9 innings (11.82) andhit by pitch (13).[41]
Sale began the 2016 season by winning each of his first 9 starts. He entered the All-Star Break with a 14–3 record (12 quality starts), an ERA of 3.38, and a WHIP of 1.04.Kansas City Royals managerNed Yost named him the starter for the2016 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.[42] In the All-Star Game, Sale pitched one inning and gave up a home run toChicago CubKris Bryant.
On July 23, prior to a game against theDetroit Tigers, the White Sox were set to wear throwback uniforms based on the design implemented byBill Veeck during his second ownership of the White Sox. Sale was not pleased about the idea, as he felt the pullover jerseys were too baggy and interfered with his pitching mechanics, and this prompted him to use scissors to tear up the throwback uniforms that had been laid out in the clubhouse while the rest of the team was on the field for practice. Shortly after, the White Sox sent Sale home and scratched him from his start that day, and the White Sox took the field in their 1982–86 throwbacks instead. The next day, on July 24, the White Sox suspended Sale for five days.[43] He later expressed regret for his actions. In 2016, Sale made 32 starts, finishing with a 17–10 record, a 3.34 ERA, and 233 strikeouts, in 226.2 innings pitched.[44] He also led the majors with six complete games and 17 hit batsmen.[45]
On December 6, 2016, the White Sox traded Sale to theBoston Red Sox forYoán Moncada,Michael Kopech,Luis Alexander Basabe, and Víctor Díaz.[46] Upon joining Boston, Sale switched his uniform number from 49 to 41 because 49 is unofficially retired forTim Wakefield.[47]
With the2017 Red Sox, Sale began the season by striking out 10 or more batters in eight consecutive starts, tying the major league record he already shared withPedro Martínez.[48] After going 11–4 with a 2.75 ERA and an MLB leading 178 strikeouts in the first half of 2017, Sale was named the American League's starting pitcher at theAll-Star Game for the second consecutive season, the first pitcher to do so sinceRandy Johnson started for the National League in 2000 and 2001 and the first for the AL sinceDave Stieb in 1983–84.[49] Sale pitched two scoreless innings in the game, striking out two batters.[50] In his second start after the All-Star break, Sale joined Johnson, Martínez andNolan Ryan as the only four pitchers to have struck out 200 batters in their first 20 starts of a season.[51] Pitching against theToronto Blue Jays on August 29, Sale recorded his 1,500th career strikeout, becoming the fastest to do so in terms of innings pitched. At that point, he had reached 1,290 innings, surpassingKerry Wood, who had done so in 1,303 innings.[52] Sale reached 300 strikeouts for the season when he struck out 13 batters on September 20. It was the first 300 strikeout season sinceClayton Kershaw in 2015, and the first in the American League since Martínez in1999.[53]
In 32 starts in 2017, Sale finished with a 17–8 record, a 2.90 ERA, and an MLB-leading 308 strikeouts. He led the majors in strikeouts per 9 innings (12.93).[54] The Red Sox clinched theAL East division with a 93–69 record.[55]
In the first postseason appearance of his MLB career, Sale was the starting pitcher in Game 1 of theDivision Series against theHouston Astros. He allowed nine hits and seven runs in five innings, taking the loss.[56] Sale then pitched in relief in Game 4, allowing four hits and two runs in4+2⁄3 innings and again taking the loss, as the Astros eliminated the Red Sox with a 5–4 win.[57] Sale had a postseason ERA of 8.38 while striking out 12 and walking one in9+2⁄3 innings pitched. Despite being the favorite to win the AL Cy Young award throughout the entire regular season, Sale finished second in the voting behindCorey Kluber, who won the award for a second time. Despite pitching more innings and recording more strikeouts than anyone else in baseball that season, Sale's subpar finish to the season after a blistering start (13–4 with a 2.37 ERA and 211 strikeouts in148+1⁄3 innings (21 starts) before August 1, but 4–4 with a 4.09 ERA in 66 innings (11 starts) and 13 home runs allowed after August 1) combined with Kluber's masterful run after an abysmal start to the season followed by a month-long stint on the DL (3-2 with a 5.06 ERA in37+1⁄3 innings (six starts) before May 2, but 15–2 with 224 strikeouts, a 1.62 ERA in166+1⁄3 innings (23 starts), 4 complete games and a 9.74 K/BB ratio after June 1) cost Sale his best chance yet at winning the Cy Young. He did, however, finish 9th in the AL MVP voting, becoming the first Red Sox pitcher to finish that high sincePedro Martínez finished fifth in 2000.[58]
Sale was theOpening Day starting pitcher for the2018 Red Sox. Facing theTampa Bay Rays atTropicana Field, he pitched six innings, giving up just one hit and walking three, while striking out nine. However, the Rays scored six runs in the eighth inning off of Boston's bullpen, defeating the Red Sox, 6–4, and leaving Sale with ano decision.[59] During June, Sale had a 1.76 ERA over six starts and recorded 60 strikeouts in 41 innings; he was named theAL Pitcher of the Month.[60] On July 6, Sale pitched six innings while allowing just one run against theKansas City Royals, getting the win. It was his ninth win of the season (against four losses), and the 100th win of his MLB career.[61] Two days later, Sale was named to the2018 MLB All-Star Game;[62] he was named the AL starting pitcher, for the third consecutive year, on July 16.[63] On July 31, Sale was placed on the disabled list due to left shoulder inflammation;[64] at that point in the season, he had an 11–4 record with 2.04 ERA in 22 starts. He was activated on August 12,[65] and was the winning pitcher of that day's game against Baltimore.[66] On August 18, Sale was again placed on the 10-day disabled list—retroactive to August 15—due to inflammation of the same shoulder.[65] He was activated on September 11,[67] pitching one inning in that day's game against Toronto.[68]
Sale made two appearances, including one start, in theAmerican League Division Series, allowing two earned runs in6+1⁄3 innings. In theAmerican League Championship Series, he made one appearance, a start, allowing two earned runs in four innings. On October 23, Sale started Game 1 of theWorld Series for the Red Sox at home atFenway Park. He pitched four-plus innings, giving up three runs on five hits and striking out seven in ano decision. The Red Sox went on to win the game, 8–4. During Game 4, with the Red Sox trailing by four runs, Sale gained notoriety for shouting at his teammates in the dugout, imploring them to generate more offense (the team had only one hit through the first six innings). The Red Sox went on to win, 9–6, taking a three games to one lead in the series.[69] In Game 5, Sale became a World Series champion for the first time, closing out the final inning, including a series-ending strikeout ofManny Machado.[70] Overall, in15+1⁄3 postseason innings he allowed seven earned runs while striking out 24 batters.
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On March 23, 2019, Sale signed a five-year, $145 million extension with the Red Sox. Sale earned $15 million in 2019 via a club option in his prior contract, with the extension covering 2020 through 2024 plus a vesting option for 2025.[71] ManagerAlex Cora named Sale as Boston's starting pitcher for 2019Opening Day.[72] Sale started the season 0–4 with an 8.50 ERA, a performance he called "flat-out embarrassing."[73] On May 8, Sale threw animmaculate inning for the first time in his career, striking out three straight Orioles batters on a total of nine pitches.[74][75] On May 14 against Colorado, Sale struck out 17 batters, a new career-high;[76] he left after seven innings and received ano decision as Boston lost inextra innings.[77] He pitched his second immaculate inning on June 5, in a complete-game shutout against Kansas City, striking out 12.[78][79] On August 13, Sale recorded the 2,000th strikeout of his major league career; he reached that mark in 1,626 innings pitched, the fewest innings needed to accomplish the feat in MLB history.[80] On August 17, Sale was placed on the 10-day injured list due to left elbow inflammation, retroactive to August 14.[81][82][83] After meeting withJames Andrews on August 19, it was determined that Sale did not need surgery; however, the inflammation in his elbow was expected to end his season.[84] On September 1, the Red Sox moved him to the 60-day injured list.[85] For the 2019 season, Sale had a 6–11 record with 4.40 ERA and 218 strikeouts in147+1⁄3 innings. He had 14 games with 10+ strikeouts, including a period from April 21 to June 26 when he recorded 10+ strikeouts in 10 out of 13 starts.[86]
On February 27, 2020, Red Sox managerRon Roenicke announced that Sale would not be ready for Opening Day due to his progress in spring training being hampered bypneumonia.[87][88] Two weeks later, the season was delayed due tocoronavirus pandemic concerns.[89] On March 19, the team announced that Sale would undergoTommy John surgery, thereby ending his 2020 season.[90] On March 30, the Red Sox announced that Sale successfully underwent the surgery, which was performed in Los Angeles.[91] On June 28, days before the restart of preseason training, the team placed Sale on the 45-day injured list (reduced from 60-day for 2020).[92]
In an article inThe New York Times, "Was That Pitcher's Surgery Truly Essential?", columnistTyler Kepner discussed the Tommy John surgery of both Sale andNoah Syndergaard in a time when the coronavirus pandemic had led federal, state, and local authorities to restrict medical procedures to essential services only. Sale, who had been receiving treatment by Andrews at his Florida clinic, had his surgery performed at theCedars-Sinai Medical Center inLos Angeles after Andrews suspended all non-emergency medical surgery in compliance with Florida's coronavirus pandemic policy.[93]
On February 18, 2021, Sale was placed on the 60-day injured list as he continued to recover from Tommy John surgery.[94] He later stated that he had "a mild case" ofCOVID-19 in January.[95] On June 8, Sale threw a practice session in the bullpen at Fenway Park for the first time since 2019.[96] On July 15, the team optioned Sale to theFlorida Complex League (FCL) for a rehabilitation assignment.[97] He pitched three innings for theFCL Red Sox on July 15, allowing no runs on four hits while striking out five batters.[98] The team next sent him toDouble-A on a rehabilitation assignment,[97] where he pitched3+2⁄3 innings for thePortland Sea Dogs on July 20 without allowing a hit.[99] He subsequently pitched in Triple-A for theWorcester Red Sox.[100] Sale was added to Boston's active roster on August 14, for a start against the Orioles.[101]
On August 26 against Minnesota, Sale recorded the thirdimmaculate inning of his career.[102] He tied a record set bySandy Koufax for the most major-league immaculate innings thrown.[103][102] On September 10, Sale was placed on the COVID-related injured list, due to apositive test;[104] he returned to the team on September 17.[105] Overall during the regular season, Sale made nine starts for Boston, pitching to a 5–1 record with 3.16 ERA and striking out 52 batters in42+2⁄3 innings.[106] In the postseason, Sale made three starts, taking one loss and allowing 10 runs (eight earned) in nine innings as the Red Sox advanced to theAmerican League Championship Series.[106]
In February, Sale sustained a right ribstress fracture while throwing batting practice atFlorida Gulf Coast University.[107] Prior to the start of the regular season, he was placed on the 60-day injured list.[108] On July 1, Sale pitched for the Portland Sea Dogs in a rehabilitation assignment, allowing one run on four hits in four innings while striking out seven batters.[109] During a rehab start in Triple-A on July 7, a video captured Sale destroying items in the dugout tunnel after he issued five walks and allowed one run in3+2⁄3 innings.[110] He returned to Boston's lineup on July 12, receiving a no decision after allowing no runs on three hits in five innings.[111] On July 17, he suffered a left fifth-finger fracture after being struck by a line drive hit byAaron Hicks.[112] Sale underwent surgery, involvingopen reduction and internal fixation, the next day.[113] He was officially added to the injured list on July 22.[114] On August 6, Sale broke his right wrist while riding his bicycle to lunch, ending his season.[115] Chief Baseball OfficerChaim Bloom commented that the Red Sox needed to find whoever had a "Chris Salevoodoo doll", referring to his list of injuries since the 2019 season.[116] In two starts for the 2022 Red Sox, Sale posted an 0–1 record with 3.18 ERA while striking out five batters in5+2⁄3 innings.[106]
Sale began the season in Boston's rotation, posting a 5–2 record with a 4.58 ERA through 11 starts. On June 1, he was removed from a game against theCincinnati Reds after experiencing shoulder discomfort;[117][118] he was placed on the injured list the next day.[119] On June 9, Sale was transferred to the 60-day injured list after being diagnosed with a stress reaction in thescapula.[120][121] He was activated for a start against theDetroit Tigers on August 11.[122] He finished the season with a 6–5 record and a 4.30 ERA in 20 starts. He pitched over 102.2 innings, more than double what he pitched in 2021 and 2022 combined.[123]
On December 30, 2023, the Red Sox traded Sale andcash considerations to theAtlanta Braves in exchange forVaughn Grissom.[124][125] A few days later, he signed a two-year, $38 million contract extension with the Braves with an $18 million club option for the 2026 season.[126][127] Sale was selected to the2024 Major League Baseball All-Star Game roster as a reserve, alongside teammatesMarcell Ozuna andReynaldo López.[128][129]
On August 13, against theSan Francisco Giants, Sale recorded his eleventh game with no earned runs, 3 or fewer hits allowed, and 12+ strikeouts, tyingSandy Koufax for third-most all-time, behindNolan Ryan (23) andRandy Johnson (13). That same game, he and Giants pitcherBlake Snell matched shutout innings for six innings; the game was decided in extras, with the Braves winning 1–0.[130] On September 3, Sale recorded his 200th strikeout of the season while facing theColorado Rockies. It was the eighth time in his career and the first time in five seasons that Sale had reached the milestone. He also set a franchise record by allowing two or fewer earned runs in 15 consecutive starts.[131][132]
At the end of the regular season, Sale finished with a record of 18–3 and led theNational League in ERA (2.38), strikeouts (225), and wins (18). He became the first Braves pitcher to win aTriple Crown.Detroit Tigers pitcherTarik Skubal earned the Triple Crown in theAmerican League, marking the first time since 2011 that the milestone had been achieved in both leagues.[133][134] Sale also won aGold Glove Award,[135] the NLComeback Player of the Year Award,[136] was named to theAll-MLB First Team,[137] and won theNL Cy Young Award,[138][139] all career firsts. Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal also won theAL Cy Young Award, marking the third time in major league history that both Cy Young recipients in a single season were left-handed pitchers.[140]
On May 29, 2025, Sale recorded his 2,500th strikeout in the sixth inning against thePhiladelphia Phillies when he struck outEdmundo Sosa. He became the 38th pitcher in Major League's modern era (since 1901) and the 40th pitcher in Major League history to reach this mark. Sale also became the fastest to reach 2,500 strikeouts in 2,026 innings, breaking the record of 2,1072⁄3 innings byRandy Johnson.[141] On June 18, Sale pitched8+2⁄3 scoreless innings against theNew York Mets, for his longest appearance since a complete game shutout on June 5, 2019.[142][143] During the ninth inning, he made a diving play from the mound, which was later attributed as the cause of a fractured rib cage.[144][145] Sale was transferred to the 60-day injured list on July 1.[146] Sale made the2025 All-Star Game roster as a player and coach selection.[147] Sale returned to the active roster on August 30.[148]
| Award | Times | Year | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Sun Conference Pitcher of the Year | 1 | 2010 | |
| Collegiate Baseball Player of the Year | 1 | 2010 | |
| Cy Young Award | 1 | 2024 | |
| Major League Baseball All-Star | 9 | 2012–2018, 2024-2025 | |
| Pitcher of the Month | 5 | 2012 May,2015 June,2018 June-July,2024 May | |
| The Sporting News Starting Pitcher of the Year | 3 | 2017, 2018, 2024 | |
| Gold Glove Award | 1 | 2024 | |
| NL Comeback Player of the Year | 1 | 2024 |
| Achievement | Number of Innings | Ref |
|---|---|---|
| Fewest innings pitched to reach 2,000 strikeouts | 1,626 | [80] |
| Category | Times | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Adjusted ERA+ leader | 2 | 2014, 2024 |
| Complete games leader | 2 | 2013, 2016 |
| Fielding independent pitching leader | 3 | 2015, 2017, 2024 |
| Hit batsmen leader | 2 | 2015, 2016 |
| Innings pitched leader | 1 | 2017 |
| Strikeout leader | 3 | 2015, 2017, 2024 |
| Strikeout-to-walk ratio leader | 1 | 2015 |
| Strikeouts per 9 innings pitched leader | 4 | 2014, 2015, 2017, 2024 |
| Notes: Through 2024 season. PerBaseball-Reference.com. | ||
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Sale relies on four pitches — afastball he throws between 93–101 miles per hour (150–163 km/h), achangeup at 85–89 miles per hour (137–143 km/h),asinker at 90–94 miles per hour (145–151 km/h), and aslider at 77–84 miles per hour (124–135 km/h). The slider, which carries a careerwhiff rate of 43%, is Sale's most common two-strike pitch to hitters from both sides of the plate.[149]
Sale throws with a "funky"sidearm throwing motion, a modified motion that he learned while he stayed in college after being drafted in 2007.[150] He isnicknamed "The Condor" because his unorthodox delivery makes him resemble aCalifornia condor. His moniker was first coined onSB Nation's South Side Sox site on April 17, 2012.[151]
Sale and his wife, Brianne, have three sons.[152][153][154][155] They reside inNaples, Florida.[156]
, orBaseball Almanac| Awards and achievements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Major League Baseball Pitcher of the Month May 2012 June 2015 June–July 2018 May 2024 | Succeeded by |
