Chris Sale had thrown just 100 pitches and had allowed just one hit through eight innings. The All-Star starter had struck out six Mariners and walked three. It was the type of outing a death-spiraling team needed.
And then he was taken out of the game. That’s the type of managerial move that management wonks might circle.
The White Sox had just lost three straight in Anaheim, scoring one stinkin’ run. They needed Sale to be Sale because Sox wonks always believe they’re in some kind of race even when they’re six games and six teams out of the second wild card.