Chris Sale is on pace for 331 strikeouts this season

On Friday night, Chris Sale pitched six shutout innings and struck out nine.

Now, through 20 starts, Sale has 200 strikeouts. Only three other pitchers — all Hall of Famers — have reached that mark in a single season: Randy Johnson (three times), Pedro Martinez (2000), and Nolan Ryan (1977).

“It’s cool. I definitely appreciate it,’’ Sale said after the Red Sox’ 6-2 win over the Angels. “I’m not the biggest fan of looking into stuff like that. Those things for the offseason or maybe one day tell my grandkids. We still have a lot of work to do. Don’t want to get caught up in stuff like that.’’

Martinez holds the Sox’ single season record for strikeouts with 313. Through his first 20 starts in 2000, Martinez recorded 194 Ks.

Sale is on pace for 331 strikeouts this season.

“I’ve not been around a pitcher that’s had those kind of totals. The strikeout capability is certainly unique,’’ Red Sox manager John Farrell said. “He’s an elite pitcher and it’s not just with one pitch. It’s three different ones he can get strikeouts with.’’

Sale, who is 12-4 with a 2.48 ERA, was asked if this is the best season of his career.

“I’m not here to talk about that kind of crap, man,’’ he said. “We have a long way to go. A long way to go; we have a lot of work to do.’’