Levine: Sale Doing Better, But No Return Date Set
By Bruce Levine-
GLENDALE, Ariz. (CBS) -- Ace left-hander Chris Sale is still a ways away from pitching in a game for the White Sox. Injured on Feb. 27, Sale broke a small bone in his right foot and sprained ligaments. His rehab has apparently gone well, and this week he's no longer limping on the bad foot and has begun to play catch off of the mound.
"I never have gone through this before, so I did not know what the timetable would be," Sale said.
Sale was ruled out of his Opening Day start earlier this week. White Sox executive vice president Ken Williams told MLB TV that Sale could pitch April 12, the first time the team needs a fifth starter in 2015.
Sale was encouraged by the swelling subsisting in the ankle and playing catch off of the mound.
"We are going to do what we need to do," he said. "I am doing everything I can to get back on the field."
The good news for Sale was his ability to be able to throw of the mound for the first time this month.
"I did get on of the mound and really putting some pressure on the foot," Sale said. "It is feeling good."
Sale believes whichever pitcher replaces him for the Opening Day start -- Jeff Samardzija or Jose Quintana -- will be a good choice.
"You have two good candidates for it," he said. "Both come with something pretty special behind them. Either way we are in good hands."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
