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Chris Sale 2019 Outlook: Sale Looks To Continue Dominance Despite Injury Concerns
6 years agoIn many ways, Chris Sale had a career-year in 2018. He posted the best ERA (2.11), FIP (1.98), and strikeout rate (38.4%) he’s ever had. The only problem for Sale was health. He failed to make 30 starts for the first time since 2014, and his 158 innings pitched was Sale’s lowest total as a starter. Sale has long seemed like an injury waiting to happen thanks to his lanky body-type and unconventional throwing motion, but he has avoided disaster for nearly 1500 major league innings. Luckily, Sale did not suffer structural damage to his bum left shoulder, meaning he should be healthy for the 2019 campaign. When healthy, Sale is among the most dominant starting pitchers in baseball. He had the best ERA, K/9, and SIERA in the majors last season (min. 150 innings pitched). Even with the health issues, Sale should be a top-three starter and top-20 player overall this draft season. His abilities far outweigh any injury concerns.
