Chicago White Sox ace Chris Sale’s return approaching

Mar 31, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale throws a pitch against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning of an opening day baseball game at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY SportsTommy John is running wild in MLB. Not just this season, but for some time now. And while everyone focuses on (young) stars like Matt Harvey and Jose Fernandez succumbing to the all-too-famous injury, there are hundreds of others as well. Not only in Major League Baseball, but in college, and even in high school.

And every time a pitcher’s injury is not Tommy John related, fans breathe a sigh of relief. Or, at least I do. When Chris Sale hit the disabled list last month, I feared the worst. And why wouldn’t I? Sale’s violent delivery, combined with his contortionist like body movements while throwing the baseball, seem to be a recipe for disaster (in my best Thom Brennaman voice).

And, low and behold, Sale’s injury was not one of the Tommy-John-surgery-related-types. Thank God, or whoever you want to thank. Sale is set to make a rehab start tomorrow for the Chicago White Sox AAA affiliate in Charlotte. He may need one more following tomorrow’s start, but a May return to the majors is inevitable.

While Sale is undoubtedly one of baseball’s best starting pitchers, and the team has sorely missed his presence in the rotation, the White Sox have somehow managed to hover around a .500 record up to this point.

Jose Abreu is still crushing the baseball. Alexei Ramirez has continued to be an All-Star worthy shortstop, both at the plate and in the field. Adam Eaton, another currently disabled young star (SO MANY INJURIES!), is set to make his first rehab start alongside Sale at Charlotte.

As most White Sox fans will agree, the return of Chris Sale is something to look forward to. His first trip to the mound will be much anticipated. And I’ll be watching, holding my breathe. Every. Single. Pitch.