BOSTON — A relatively low-stakes Sunday afternoon game could have the feeling of a heavyweight bout.
In one corner will stand major league ERA leader Jacob deGrom, for the Mets. In the other, an equally elite starting pitcher in Boston’s Chris Sale.
Both are Cy Young Award candidates in their respective leagues, but Sale’s AL chances are impaired by the fact he’s pitched only twice since July 27 because of shoulder issues.
As it stands, the lefty’s 1.96 ERA does not include enough innings to qualify as the AL’s best. DeGrom leads both leagues with a 1.