The Boston Red Sox have decided to go with David Price instead of Chris Sale in Game 5 of the World Series, and that has led to speculation that Sale continues to be hampered by shoulder issues he had toward the end of the season. The Red Sox are adamant that is not the case.
Dan Roche of WBZ-TV was told by a source that Price is getting the ball over Sale on Sunday night simply because he has been pitching better. Price also historically needs less rest than Sale, so he will be available in the bullpen in Games 6 and 7, if necessary.
From rock-solid source: Price is pitching Game 5 because: 1) he’s throwing the ball extremely well(better than Sale), 2) His arm bounces back easily, so he would be available out of pen for G6 and/or G7 where Sale would not be, 3) Sale and Eovaldi get more rest. #RedSox #WBZ @WBZ
— Dan Roche (@RochieWBZ) October 28, 2018
4) Stop with the conspiracy theories – Sale is healthy 5) After several discussions among manager, coaches, staff…this plan simply makes the best sense when mapping out all the possible scenarios. #RedSox #WorldSeries #WBZ @WBZ
— Dan Roche (@RochieWBZ) October 28, 2018
When Sale was at his best during the regular season, his fastball regularly topped out in the high-90s and even touched 100 on occasion. Since he was placed on the disabled list twice down the stretch, he has hovered more in the mid-90s. The left-hander has had a tendency to fade late in seasons throughout his career, so his mediocre performance lately may just be another case of that.
It seems like every decision Red Sox manager Alex Cora has made this postseason has worked out, so there’s no need to question Price starting Game 5. If Sale were injured, he likely would not have made the offer he did on Saturday.
