If and when the 2020 MLB season finally gets underway, Chris Sale will not be a part of it.
The Boston Red Sox announced Thursday their ace will undergo ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgery (Tommy John) on his left elbow.
Sale had started a throwing program Monday after the organization gave an optimistic update on the left-hander's injured elbow. Tommy John surgery had been a possibility since Sale first visited Dr. James Andrews back in November, but it wasn't deemed necessary. Clearly, that changed over the last week or so.
Without Sale, the Red Sox rotation is expected to consist of Eduardo Rodriguez, Nathan Eovaldi, Martin Perez, and possibly Ryan Weber. Boston also acquired ex-Houston Astros right-hander Collin McHugh, who has elbow issues of his own.
Sale was signed to a five-year, $145 million contract extension prior to the 2019 season.