Inbox: When will Sale be activated off DL?

As the Red Sox prepare to host the Marlins in a two-game series at Fenway Park on Tuesday, it's time to answer a few questions in the latest Inbox.

We will have a better idea of when Chris Sale will be back when he initiates a throwing program. It sounds like this could happen over the next couple of days at Fenway Park. I think the best-case scenario with Sale at this point is that he could return to the Red Sox during the next homestand, which starts Sept. 7 against the Astros.
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As far as the slump, I think you can chalk it up right now as the rut all 30 teams hit at some point during a long season. Both the Astros and Dodgers hit similar potholes down the stretch last season, and they wound up in the World Series. As for the Red Sox's schedule getting tougher, that is a good thing. The tougher the opponent, the more the team should raise its level of play.

Both races are still too close to call. Mookie Betts and J.D. Martinez have both made huge impacts on the Red Sox this season, and it will be up to American League MVP Award voters to decide which player has meant more. Betts has been slumping lately, which might open up a chance for Martinez to vault over him in the race. Mike Trout is the best player in the game, and he will also get his share of support. As for the AL Cy Young Award, Sale seemed to have it locked up before he got injured. Now, the door is open for someone like Justin Verlander or the highly underrated Blake Snell to possibly make a run. These races will both be intriguing to watch these next few weeks.

At this point, I'm guessing Sale, David Price, Rick Porcello and Eduardo Rodriguez will form Boston's AL Division Series rotation. That would put Nathan Eovaldi in the bullpen, and there's a chance his stuff could play better in that role.

Absolutely not. Dustin Pedroia is a widely respected player in the Sox's clubhouse. The question is whether he will become healthy enough to play again this season. I don't see any harm in getting Pedroia some at-bats and some reps at second base later in September. If nothing else, it will help him build some confidence going into the offseason. And if Pedroia can contribute even more and be part of the team in the playoffs, all the better, but I wouldn't count on that. Even if Pedroia isn't playing, I think he can play a positive influence on the team just being around. Manager Alex Cora mentioned the other day how they conferenced Pedroia into a recent hitter meeting, and he provided some motivational words.

Christian Vázquez is on the mend, and he will be playing in the Minor Leagues throughout this week. The Minors' season end on Friday, and at that point, provided there are no complications with the right pinkie fracture he is coming back from, he will be added to the roster. Cora will have a little dilemma on his hands of how exactly to utilize Vazquez. Sandy León and Blake Swihart have formed a nice tandem while Vazquez has been out. However, people forget that Vazquez was playing his best baseball of the season just before he got injured. If he can get back to that level, he will definitely be of help for Boston. Vazquez is also a high-energy player, and that helps at this time of year.

Yes, there are major luxury-tax implications if Rusney Castillo is added to the 40-man roster. However, the other thing that is preventing him from joining the Red Sox is need. When would he play? The outfield is the deepest spot on the team, with Andrew Benintendi, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Betts. Also, Cora likes to spot Martinez in the outfield once or twice a week.