The Boston Red Sox have placed ace left-hander Chris Sale on the 10-day disabled list with left shoulder inflammation.
The team made the announcement about 90 minutes after Tuesday's non-waiver trade deadline. The move is retroactive to Saturday.
Sale has been arguably the best starter in the majors this season, with an AL-best 2.04 ERA and an MLB-best 207 strikeouts in 141 innings. He has won his last six decisions, recording at least nine strikeouts in each.
Left-handed pitcher Brian Johnson will start in his place Thursday, when Boston opens a critical four-game series against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park.