July 12--White Sox manager Robin Ventura said Sunday he would prefer that Chris Sale not pitch in the All-Star Game on Tuesday in Cincinnati.
Sale was more hyped up than usual during his seven-plus innings in a victory over the Cubs on Saturday at Wrigley Field, and Ventura said he thinks it would be better for the club if he rests rather than pitch in his fourth straight All-Star Game.
"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."
Sale might have been a candidate to start the game, a decision made by American League manager Ned Yost on Monday.
Ventura said the Sox would talk about the situation. Sale said he would like to pitch but also understands Ventura's point of view.
"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."
The Sox are trying to be cautious with Sale, who has battled minor early-season arm soreness and fatigue at points during the last couple of seasons, and they have given him extra rest occasionally. Ventura said throwing an inning against some of the game's top hitters wouldn't be the same as a typical sideline session.
"That's always a touchy thing, but knowing him, he's pitching on three days, he hasn't done a lot between starts," Ventura said. "That's a lot to ask of a guy, and you know he's going to crank it up."
Sale has thrown 110 or more pitches 10 times this year, but he said his arm feels fine heading into the break.
"I would say I probably feel as good as I ever have," Sale said. "I've done a lot this year to be ready for my starts and on those in between days ... leaning on those guys (in the training room) to get myself prepared for everything."
Sale said he will go to Cincinnati with family and friends even if he doesn't pitch, and said his 5-year-old son already has his All-Star jersey ready. Sale cracked he could pinch hit in the game if nothing else.
"Make a little road trip to Cincy and have some fun," he said.
