CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago White Sox are going to put Chris Sale right back on the mound after his suspension ends.
Sale will start Thursday against the crosstown Cubs in his first appearance since the ace left-hander was punished by the team for destroying collared throwback uniforms it was scheduled to wear.
“We understood what happened, but you can’t get it back, you can’t turn back the clock,” third baseman Todd Frazier said before Monday night’s game against the North Siders. “I know when he gets back here he’s going to be ready to go, knowing the person that he is.”
The 27-year-old Sale was scratched from his scheduled start Saturday night against Detroit and sent home after he cut up an unknown number of jerseys before the game. The 1976-style jerseys were navy and sported unusual collars on a hot and humid night.
Manager Robin Ventura said he doesn’t think Sale will need to address any issues with his teammates when he returns.
“Guys have seen a lot of stuff and it’s about playing,” Ventura said. “I think they’re about playing and we’ll go with that until something needs to be address. As far as playing, guys are just moving on and playing.”
The suspension cost Sale $250,000 of his $9.15 million salary. He also was fined about $12,700 — the cost of the destroyed jerseys — according to a person familiar with the penalty. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no statements were authorized.
Sale is 14-3 with a 3.18 ERA this year. There is a possibility he could be traded before the Aug. 1 non-waiver deadline, though it would take quite an offer to get the White Sox to move him.
“It’s definitely been a swing of emotions,” outfielder Adam Eaton said. “We love Sale. We love his competitiveness. We love the way he goes about his business.”
Ventura also announced that right-hander Anthony Ranaudo, who was promoted from Triple-A Charlotte on Sunday to take Sale’s spot on the roster, will start Wednesday against the Cubs. Right-hander Jacob Turner, who allowed four runs and five hits in 3 1/3 innings in his last start Friday against Detroit, will move to the bullpen.
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