PLAYING TIME: Chicago teams switch closers
May 4 2012
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Sale named CHW closer
With rookie erstwhile closer Héctor Santiago (LHP, CHW) having blown two of his last three save opportunities, CHW has shifted Chris Sale (LHP, CHW) from the starting rotation to the closer role. The switch allows CHW to keep dominant southpaw reliever Matt Thornton (LHP, CHW) and rookie Addison Reed (RHP, CHW) in setup roles, while also limiting Sale's workload.
Sale performed effectively in relief in 2011, notching 116 BPV and 2.90 xERA in 71 IP. He was impressive as a starter in his brief rotation stint, posting PQS-DOMs in each of his five starts, with 29 K/8 BB in 32 IP, with a 109 BPV and 3.20 xERA. While changing roles will result in fewer innings, and Sale demonstrated an ability...
Almost!
You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!
Already a subscriber? Sign in here
More From PT Today
Daulton Varsho and Willson Contreras will miss the remainder of the regular season. Luis Arraez may be in the same boat. All covered in our final 2026 edition of Playing Time Today...
Sep 25 2026 7:23am
Sep 25 2026 7:23am
Shohei Ohtani makes it back for LA, as they option out top prospect De Paula. Plus season-sending injuries to Samuel Basallo, Cristian Javier and Brice Matthews.
Sep 24 2026 8:29am
Sep 24 2026 8:29am
Ceddanne Rafaela will use this week to get into playoff shape; Jazz Chisholm as well. Plus Devin Williams returns; will he get a saves shot in NY?
Sep 23 2026 9:15am
Sep 23 2026 9:15am
Alex Bregman will miss the final week but try to return for the playoffs; Tigers shut down Melton and Keith; injury parade continues in San Francisco...
Sep 22 2026 8:14am
Sep 22 2026 8:14am
Trey Yesavage will rejoin the Rays rotation; Quantrill exits in Texas, some bullpen shakeup in Philadelphia, and more.
Sep 21 2026 8:28am
Sep 21 2026 8:28am
