White Sox manager Robin Ventura made it clear on Sunday that he would prefer that Chris Sale doesn't throw during the All-Star Game on Tuesday, per the Chicago Tribune.
Ventura wants his ace to get some extra rest during the break, instead of pitching in his fourth consecutive All-Star Game. Sale is 8-4 with a 2.72 ERA in 119 1/3 innings so far this season, including a 10-strikeout performance on Saturday during his last outing before the break.
“I think yesterday he was amped up,” Ventura said. “Just philosophy-wise, pitch count and everything in this environment, he was exerting everything he had. It would be nice (for him to rest), definitely.
“He is (our only representative). But I also want him to pitch for us for the rest of the year too.”
A four-time All-Star, Sale said he understands the importance of rest, but that he has enjoyed throwing in the Summer Classic and would like to do so again this year.
“Those aren’t my decisions to make,” Sale said. “I understand where he’s coming from. I respect it. I’ve got to put this team first and foremost. This is the team I’m playing for and that I have a future with.”
“I’ve enjoyed pitching in the past. I would like to. But at the same time, that’s a decision for him to make. He’s going to make the right one.”