But the injury bug soon bit Sale. There was Tommy John surgery, a broken rib, a cranky shoulder, a broken wrist, a broken finger. In his final five seasons in Boston, he made just 56 starts. Following the 2023 season, the Sox traded Sale to the Braves with Atlanta clinging to the hope that he might recapture some of his early career success.

The Red Sox got to Tarik Skubal on Wednesday using a righty-heavy lineup. They'll run back that same mix Friday night with Chris Sale on the mound for Atlanta.