Chris Sale calls performance 'embarrassing' after 8-0 loss to Yankees
In just five innings of work Boston Red Sox starter Chris Sale gave up four earned runs on seven hits, a performance he called “embarrassing.”
Speaking to reporters after the game Sale said, “I just got to find a way to pitch better. This is flat out embarrassing, for my family, for my team, for our fans. This is as bad as it gets.”
A season ago, Sale pitched to a 12-4 record with 237 strikeouts and 2.11 ERA. Now, Sale is 0-4 after Tuesday’s loss with an 8.50 ERA in 18 innings pitched.
Sale, who typically pitches late into games, has only reached the sixth inning once this season.
“Like I said, I have to pitch better,” Sale continued via NESN. “I keep saying the same things, but at the end of the day, go out there give up four runs here, five runs here, seven runs here. I’m not getting to the sixth, seventh inning like I should. I mean that’s who I am, I’m supposed to pitch to the sixth, seventh, eighth inning, finish games and stuff like that, save our bullpen, cut it off when we’re losing and keep win streaks going, and that’s not who I’ve been and I’ve got to get back to that.”
Red Sox manager Alex Cora was a bit more kind in talking about his ace telling reporters, “I won't be surprised if in his next start he's right where we need him to be. ... He's very close to the "real" Chris Sale."
But Sale was less acceptive of his manager’s words. When asked if his next start would be more like the Sale of old he said, “Better f------- hope so.”
Not the only player feeling down
Chris Sale isn’t the only player on the 2018 World Champions who is feeling down. Mookie Betts, the 2018 AL MVP, also echoed similar sentiments.
Speaking to MLB.com, the 2018 AL MVP, said he needed to find a way “to help the team.”
Betts said, “Basically, what I’m doing is unacceptable. I have to figure out a way to get something done and help the team.”
He is currently slashing .212/.321/.394 through 78 plate appearances. Last season, Betts hit .346/.438/.640, with 32 home runs.
The Red Sox will play the Yankees again on Wednesday.
More from Yahoo Sports:
