Chris Sale’s drop in velocity since returning from the disabled list continued during his final start of the regular season and is a concern entering the postseason.
In his final tuneup before the playoffs, Sale pitched 4.2 innings against the Baltimore Orioles, allowing four hits and three runs while recording eight strikeouts. The topic of discussion during and after the Boston Red Sox’s game was the velocity of Sale’s fastball, which was much lower compared to his career norm.
Sale gives up a two-out double to Adam Jones, and that’s the night (4.2 IP, 3R, 4H). Four-seamer averages a career-low 90.1 mph, topping out at 94.5. (Also possible that average is low if some changeups were classified as 4-seamers.) 14 swings/misses among 92 pitches.
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) September 27, 2018
The dip in velocity on Wednesday continued a downward trend for Sale over his past few starts.
Chris Sale’s 2018 velo readings by outing, coming into the night (just the hard stuff, bartender) pic.twitter.com/c19ZeyBm9y
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) September 27, 2018
Sale may very well come out in his first start of the postseason and make us all forget about the past handful of starts. However, there are at least a few fans who are showing some signs of concern.
Officially worried about the Sox chances with how Sale has looked. They are hiding a bigger injury and hoping he can pitch through it. Velocity way down, control hasn’t been good, not the same guy. #notgood #soxtober
— Brad Marino (@BradMarino) September 27, 2018
I'm worried about Sale's fastball velocity.
— Clemey Fish (@Odogg02) September 27, 2018
I really hope Chris Sale isn’t trying because we’re screwed if his velocity is 88-92 in the playoffs. He needs to be at least 95+
— Gonzo ???????????????? (@KosiForHeisman) September 27, 2018
I can understand if Sale is just kinda going through the motions, but his velocity is concerning me a bit.
— Woke Doge (@chowdahhead4) September 26, 2018
Sale’s performance has many wondering whether he is holding back intentionally or still experiencing some issues with his shoulder. A comment from Red Sox manager Alex Cora after the game suggests it was a mechanical issue.
Cora said Sale already watched video and identified mechanical problems that he thinks contributed to his issues tonight. No concern about his shoulder.
— Jason Mastrodonato (@JMastrodonato) September 27, 2018
Sox fans will hope that Sale has his top velocity and best stuff working come October.
