Chris Sale will pitch for the Sox again Tuesday at Guaranteed Rate Field.
But the left-hander will be on the mound representing the Red variety when he makes his first start against the White Sox, with whom he spent his first seven seasons.
Sale was traded to Boston in December for a haul of prospects, including second baseman Yoan Moncada, who is rated as the top among his peers in minor-league baseball, and pitcher Michael Kopech.
The five-time All-Star's return generated some excitement in the White Sox clubhouse Sunday morning before the Sox defeated the Tigers, 7-3.
Jose Quintana, who will pitch opposite Sale on Tuesday, saved his "bests" for describing his former teammate.
"It's good to face the best left-hander in the league," Quintana said. "He's the best teammate of the pitchers I've had."
Sale has continued to be among the best pitchers in baseball since relocating. His 101 strikeouts are the most in the American League. It also complements his 2.34 ERA and 7.28 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
He had an eight-game stretch this season during which he struck out at least 10 batters each game, which tied a record he already shared with Pedro Martinez.
"I have so much respect," Sox first baseman Jose Abreu said through a team interpreter. "That will be fun."
