The Boston Red Sox activated ace Chris Sale from the 10-day disabled list after he spent his second stint out with a shoulder injury.
Starting pitcher Sale, who is 12-4 with a 1.97 ERA and 219 strikeouts in just 146 innings pitched this season, remains a front-runner for the American League's Cy Young award despite making just 23 starts this season.
The 29-year-old and seven-time MLB All-Star last pitched on August 12.
Boston have an eight-game lead in the race for home-field advantage in the AL playoffs.
The #RedSox today activated LHP Chris Sale from the 10-day disabled list. pic.twitter.com/pK0zajTiE0
— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) September 11, 2018
Sale may not pitch a full five-plus innings again during the regular season.
With David Price also dealing with an injury, and second baseman Dustin Pedroia shut down for the season, Boston can ill-afford to lose Sale for the playoffs.