Alex Cora unsure of Chris Sale's Game 5 status

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If you're looking for a crystal clear update on Chris Sale, you're going to have to wait a little longer.

Sale, who was hospitalized with a stomach illness Sunday, rejoined the Red Sox in Houston for Game 3 on Tuesday night and took the field for player introductions. While that's encouraging, his status for Game 5 remains a mystery.

Alex Cora spoke on the matter before Game 3, mentioning Sale could throw a bullpen session during the game.

"If you guys see him throwing during the game, don't panic," Cora told reporters on Tuesday. "He's throwing a bullpen, if he has to throw a bullpen today. Like I said yesterday, this is more about the individual than the Red Sox. And however he feels, we go from there. If he can't throw a bullpen today, he won't throw it. We have to take care of him first."

"I haven't talked to him today, so I don't know how he feels, if he feels weak or whatever. But we'll know. But like I said, I'll give you a heads-up. If he throws a bullpen, it's not like we're trying to reinvent the game and bring him in today."

As for Game 5, Cora is making his ace's health the No. 1 priority and is prepared to go in a different direction if Sale isn't ready to go.

"We still think he can do it but obviously we have to wait," Cora said. "Like I said yesterday, this is more than us, it’s about him and how he feels. I’m not going to put him in a situation where he gets hurt because he’s not ready to pitch.”

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