In our latest simulation from our partners at Strat-O-Matic, we look at the alternate reality of Red Sox pitcher Chris Sale remaining healthy the last few years, and not needing Tommy John surgery in 2019.
Editors Note: Strat-O-Matic, the market leader in sports simulation, has partnered with NBC Sports Boston to build simulation experiences for "What If Wednesdays.”
When healthy, Chris Sale has been a perennial Cy Young award candidate throughout his illustrious MLB career.
Unfortunately for the Boston Red Sox, their ace hasn't been able to step on the mound since August 2019 due to an elbow injury. He continues to miss time in 2021 after undergoing Tommy John surgery last year.
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We already know the kind of impact a healthy Sale can have on the Red Sox pitching staff. He was key in the 2018 championship run, and the image of him making Manny Machado look foolish on the final out of the World Series will live on in Boston sports lore. But what if Sale had been able to stay healthy the entirety of his Red Sox tenure?
Our partners at Strat-O-Matic used their advanced simulation software to play out the last three Red Sox seasons with a healthy Sale, producing full regular- and postseason results for Boston in addition to complete player stats.
Here are some big takeaways from Strat-O-Matic's 2018, 2019, and 2020 season simulations.
