FORT MYERS -- On a back field at JetBlue Park, Chris Sale faced hitters for the first time this season and came out of the 52-pitch experience feeling good about where he stands in early March.
He pitched against minor-league Red Sox hitters and his four-"inning" start featured artificial, pitch-count mandated endings. He threw 15 pitches in the first inning, then 12, 12 and 13.
“Really good, felt a little different with the style, rolling over and stuff like that -- I know it's all part of the grand plan and being able to control the buildup a little bit, went well, though,” said Sale.