Chicago White Sox place Chris Sale on the DL

Apr 17, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (49) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the fifth inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

In possibly the worst news thus far for the month of April when it pertains to the Chicago White Sox, they announced Monday they will place left-handed pitcher Chris Sale on the 15-day disabled list, Tuesday.

Sale has a flexor muscle strain in his left arm.

With all the injuries suffered this season by most MLB teams, it really has caught up with the White Sox (10-10), as he is the ace of the staff, but the injury isn’t as serious as it sounds.

In an article by Scott Merkin of whitesox.com, it states about Sale’s injury:

"“The news sounds like the greatest possible relief for the team and Sale, who had an MRI on Monday night. The preliminary results showed that the ligament looks excellent.”"

At least we have that, but it will still be a bummer to not have Sale on the mound Tuesday opposite of Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander, but the overall health of Sale is the No. 1 priority for for the club, not a couple starts in April.

In his last start against the Boston Red Sox on April 17, Sale threw 127 pitches in a no-decision, where he pitched seven innings of one hit, one run baseball. He also struck out 10 in that start.

For the season, Sale is 3-0 with a 2.30 ERA in 27.1 innings pitched, with 29 strikeouts.

The article also reported Charlie Leesman will replace Sale in the rotation for Tuesday’s start.

If the White Sox can get though this setback, plus trying to find a full-time replacement for Felipe Paulino, who was also placed on the DL this week, then it would be a big surprise as their upcoming schedule is tough.

Replacing two starting pitchers in the same week would be tough for any team.

Chicago still has three games left with the Tigers, followed with four games against the Tampa Bay Rays and then another series with the Tigers.

Now we just have to hope for the best when it comes to Sale and the White Sox, and see what happens.

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