Chris Sale is poised for an imminent return to the Boston Red Sox rotation after a long road of recovery and rehabilitation following Tommy John surgery in March 2020. During the year-plus since going under the knife, Sale made the decision to take drastic action when it comes to his dietary habits.
Speaking to reporters this week following an outstanding rehab start for the Double-A affiliate Portland Sea Dogs, Sale laid out the changes to his diet and how it will not only benefit his career, but also pay dividends when it comes to his overall health.
“I made a lot of changes with junk food and processed stuff and gluten,” Sale told reporters, via WEEI. “The list kind of goes on. Looking back now, I didn’t really take really good care of myself in that aspect of my life. How I was fueling my body, the stuff that I was eating. You can ask my teammates. I would show up on game day with a bag of McDonald’s or Taco Bell and that was my pregame meal to go pitch.
“That mixed with a little bit better sleeping patterns and more hydration, I think it’s helped me out a lot.”
Sale’s comments echo what he had to say during spring training about his newfound approach to committing himself to a better dietary regiment, including how he revealed that he hasn’t consumed any alcohol in over a year.
Interestingly enough, while Sale’s changes to his diet are noteworthy, his efforts hardly measure up to the offbeat, unconventional methods another ace pitcher has utilized while making his way though Tommy John surgery rehab.
Adjustments to diet aside, Sale looked dominant in his outing Tuesday for the Sea Dogs.
“Today was a good day,” Sale said. “Definitely a step in the right direction. Felt good throughout the entire game, even in the third or fourth inning running back out there, it felt like I was able to create some arm speed and make pitches when I need to, which at this stage of the game is key. But I have a hard time buying into all that. I’m still competing, I still want to win. I want to succeed. I want to help my team, whichever team that is. All of that stuff is good at the end of it, but while I’m out there, my motor’s going.”
While the timetable of Sale’s return to Boston has yet to be officially set, it’s only a matter of time at this point. Now with a new diet aiding the Red Sox ace on the mound, expect a quick return to form for the seven-time All-Star.
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