Red Sox ace Chris Sale reveals he has not received COVID-19 vaccine

Boston Red Sox ace Chris Sale, who returned to the mound Friday after testing positive for COVID-19 for a second time this year, revealed he has not been vaccinated. 

"The weirdest part for me in all of this was getting a phone call having someone tell me that I'm sick," Sale said, according to MassLive's Christopher Smith. "That was kind of awkward. I came in here. I threw my bullpen. I did my workout, everything. And I get a phone call and they're like, 'Hey, you tested positive for COVID.' I don't know how. I didn't feel bad. I've never had a cough or the runs or any of the other symptoms that come with it. So it was kind of just a head-scratcher."

Sale earned the win in Boston's 7-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Friday. He allowed two hits and one run in five innings before being replaced by Garrett Whitlock.

The 32-year-old said he had to work out at his home before he was cleared for Friday's start. While quarantined, he frequently checked in with team doctors. 

"I work hard to maintain a good diet and exercise routine and I take vitamins every day," Sale said. "So, I was prepared for this. In the end, it worked out."

Sale recently returned to the mound after missing the entire 2020 season following Tommy John surgery. The seven-time All-Star is 4-0 in six starts with a 2.40 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 30 innings.