BALTIMORE — John Farrell could’ve tried to take the ball from Chris Sale after seven innings last night, explained to him that a little extra rest would be good this time of year, and asked him to be patient.
His next start is scheduled for Fenway Park, and the ovation for Sale upon recording his 300th strikeout of the season at home would have been unforgettable.
But Farrell is only human, and the thought of rewarding Sale last night for a marvelous season with one more inning and the chance at 300 right then and there was too juicy to pass.