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Chicago White Sox lefty Chris Sale will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte on Thursday, according to the Chicago Sun-Times Daryl Van Schouwen. Chicago's ace last pitched on April 17 against the Red Sox. He was placed on the disabled list on April 18 with a strained flexor muscle in his pitching arm.
The injury raised some concern that the 25-year-old would need to undergo Tommy John surgery -- as is the case with any injury to a pitcher's forearm or elbow. Apparently, all those muscles and cords are pretty important when it comes to hurling a little ball 90 mph on a dime.
In four starts before hitting the DL, Sale posted a 2.30 ERA with 29 strikeouts in 27⅓ innings. Last year, he was dominant as well, striking out 226 batters in 214⅓ innings while walking just 46. He put up a 3.07 ERA and finished fifth in AL Cy Young balloting.
The White Sox could certainly use his help if they hope to continue to surprise this season. They're currently tied for second place in the AL Central at 19-20, five games behind the Tigers.