Boston's Chris Sale (elbow) expected to avoid Tommy John surgery

Boston Red Sox pitcher Chris Sale (elbow) is expected to avoid Tommy John surgery after a second opinion on his left elbow by Dr. James Andrews confirmed that he merely has inflammation.

What It Means:

Sale felt something wrong in his elbow last week and landed on the IL Saturday after an MRI revealed inflammation. While it is good news surgery is not likely, the Red Sox ace could still miss the remainder of the season as Boston treats the injury cautiously.

If Sale's season is done, he finishes with a 4.40 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 218 strikeouts, and 37 walks in 147 1/3 innings pitched.

Source: ESPN