Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora seemed hesitant to commit to using Chris Sale out of the bullpen leading up to Game 4 of the ALDS, stating it would take the perfect situation for him to consider that scenario. Apparently, the perfect situation presented itself in the eighth inning.
The move wasn’t without risk. Sale, who started Game 1 of the series, would be needed if the series was extended to a fifth game. Could they afford to send their ace to the mound, even for one inning, with a potential Game 5 looming two days later?