Sale remains focused despite rocky start

This story was excerpted from Ian Browne’s Red Sox Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

In Spring Training, Chris Sale had never looked happier. During his time with the Red Sox, which started in 2017, he had never smiled more.

Finally, Sale was healthy again and he couldn’t wait for the regular season to start.

And then came a proverbial slap in the face for the 34-year-old lefty, who typically dominates when healthy, but has been uncharacteristically subpar so far this season.

With the Red Sox needing a win to stem the tide against the red-hot Rays on Wednesday night, Sale was belted around for six runs (five earned) over four innings in his team’s 9-7 loss.

Manager Alex Cora tried to take the burden off of Sale, noting Boston’s sloppy defense.

Sale was having none of it. The Red Sox are 2-1 in his three starts, but he was the first to admit he isn’t the reason the team has a winning record so far when he pitches.

“I think if you look at any of my outings, I’ve got a three-inning outing with seven runs, I’ve got a four-inning outing with six runs, and a five-inning outing with three runs,” Sale said. “I had to get bailed out at all times. And, the one time we lost is the day I sucked the most. So, I’m not going to sit here and make excuses. I’ve just got to get better. That’s what I’m here for.”

While Sale is understandably frustrated by his lackluster start to the season -- his 11.25 ERA is the highest in the Majors amongst all qualified pitchers -- he also vows that he will figure it out.

“[I have] all the confidence,” said Sale. “That’s who I am. I’m going to continue to work. I’m going to continue to grind. Just got to figure it out before someone else does first.”

Most notably during this tough stretch for Sale is that the most dominant, reliable pitch during his illustrious career -- that filthy slider -- has become his most inconsistent offering. His fastball location has also been less than ideal so far this season.

“I feel like sometimes I go out there and I’m locating really well and I’m doing a good job of pitching, and then other times, it’s just right in the middle of the plate,” said Sale. “It’s flat and it’s not coming out good, and I’m paying for it, that’s for sure.”

Cora has been working hard, along with pitching coach Dave Bush and other staff members, to help guide Sale back to ace-like status.

“I do believe that we’re trending in the right direction,” said Cora. “He will be fine. I still believe that the fastball has life up in the zone.”

While part of Cora’s job is to display confidence in all of his players, Sale won’t be satisfied until his results improve by a wide margin.

“Three starts in, I’ve taken three off the chin,” said Sale.