Morning sports update: Red Sox reportedly planning ‘conservative approach’ for Chris Sale’s return
The 31-year-old hasn't pitched since 2019.
On Monday, the Bruins lost to the Islanders 1-0. It was Boston’s second consecutive loss after opening the season with a shootout win.
Tomorrow, the Celtics face the 76ers in Philadelphia at 7 p.m.
Chris Sale’s return: Red Sox pitcher Chris Sale, who recorded the final out of Boston’s victorious 2018 World Series run, has not pitched since August of 2019 due to injury.
Last March, he had Tommy John surgery, a procedure that is normally expected to keep a pitcher out for at least a full year.
Looking to his future, the Red Sox are reportedly aiming for a “deliberate” timeline in bringing the 31-year-old back.
“The bulk of the left-hander’s production for the Red Sox will happen in the last three years of the deal,” ESPN baseball reporter Buster Olney noted on Monday, “and while sources say the team would love for Sale to come back and be a factor at some point in 2021, the Red Sox are apt to take a conservative approach.”
Sale is still on a contract that runs through 2024, and is worth a total of $145 million (originally a five-year deal signed in 2019). The deal also includes an option year in 2025. Because of the long-term nature of the contract, Boston isn’t going to rush Sale’s return.
Trivia: The Patriots have held the No. 1 overall pick several times in team history. Can you name the last two top picks New England selected?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: Quarterback and wide receiver.
More from Boston.com:
- AP source: Jon Lester, Nats agree to deal, pending physical
- Bruins fall to Islanders 1-0 in Uniondale
- What Tom Brady said about making it to the NFC Championship Game
- Bruce Arians claims Bucs offer freedom Tom Brady didn’t have with Patriots: ‘New England didn’t allow him to coach’
- Julian Edelman congratulates Tom Brady following playoff win over the Saints
Bruce Cassidy following the Bruins’ Monday loss
:
🎥 #NHLBruins coach Bruce Cassidy addresses reporters following the B’s 1-0 loss to the New York Islanders: pic.twitter.com/hBaojUYabq
— x – Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) January 19, 2021
Tampa sports super fan Dick Vitale thanked Bill Belichick for “not keeping” Tom Brady in New England:
Oh baby The BUCS #awesomebaby @buccaneers @ESPNPR @espnbob pic.twitter.com/EE4LvuXD6i
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) January 18, 2021
Former Bruin Willie O’Ree’s thoughts on MLK Day:
On this day: In 2002, Tom Brady, Adam Vinatieri, and a hitherto obscure rule helped the Patriots take an improbable first postseason step in what would become a dynasty.
#OTD in 2002: In a driving snowstorm, the #Patriots defeat the Raiders 16-13 in OT, in the final game played at Foxboro Stadium to advance to the AFC Championship.#FlashbackFriday to the “Snow Bowl” 👇 #NotDone pic.twitter.com/gPzPTudyGa
— The Hall presented by RTX (@TheHall) January 19, 2018
New England’s 10-point fourth quarter comeback against Oakland in the Divisional Round was capped by a 45-yard Vinatieri field goal through the snow and wind. In overtime, the Patriots won thanks to another field goal, defeating the Raiders 16-13 in Foxboro Stadium’s final NFL game.
Of course, the famous (or infamous) moment was the “Tuck Rule,” when Raiders cornerback Charles Woodson — Brady’s former Michigan teammate — appeared to cause the game-ending fumble on the upstart Patriots quarterback.
But upon review, officials cited the rule, which gave Brady and New England another chance. The Patriots never looked back, winning the game and going on to win the first of six Super Bowls in the Belichick-Brady era.
Daily highlight: Massachusetts natives Sam and Kristie Mewis led the U.S. women’s national team to 4-0 victory in a friendly on Monday night against Colombia.
Sam notched a hat-trick, including this double-header goal:
That’s ✌️ for the @USWNT! @sammymewy again! pic.twitter.com/c8KmOof2ey
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) January 19, 2021
And Kristie came on a substitute to score the final U.S. goal of what proved to be a comfortable win:
It’s a Mewis party for the @USWNT! 🎉@KristieMewie makes it 4-0 vs Colombia. pic.twitter.com/pcjkcYxkvO
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) January 19, 2021
Trivia answer: Drew Bledsoe and Irving Fryar.
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