Chris Sale Has Brutally Honest Self-Assessment After Latest Injury Troubles

The Boston Red Sox haven't had the greatest of offseasons. First, they were investigated by Major League Baseball for their sign-stealing scandal (which hasn't wrapped up yet!). Then, they spent tim getting eviscerated by the public for trading star outfielder Mookie Betts.

Now, Boston is dealing with ongoing injury woes with ace Chris Sale. The ace has already dealt with pneumonia, but now has been diagnosed with elbow discomfort, stemming from his first bullpen session since he went down with a similar injury last August. Boston announced that Sale has a flexor strain that won't require Tommy John surgery (for now, anyway).

Many Red Sox fans are disappointed that Sale is being bit hard by the injury bug on an expensive extension, but no one is more upset about it than the pitcher himself.

"I don't think I've ever let anybody down this hard, ever," said Sale, via NBC Sports Boston. "And that sucks. Honestly. Honestly. That sucks. Someone gives you something because they believe in you, they expect something from you and you don't live up to that."

That "something" Sale is referencing is the five-year, $145 million contract extension the Red Sox signed him to back in 2019. After signing that deal, Sale had a rough start to his 2019 campaign, as he accumulated an 0-4 record and 8.50 ERA through his first four games. He did bounce back later on in the year, but his season came to an end due to left elbow inflammation.

Now, he's dealt with the aforementioned illness and elbow discomfort. Sale and the Red Sox will wait until next week to determine what the next steps are in his recovery, whether that's Tommy John after the pain resurfaces, or an extensive rehabilitation.

No matter the circumstances, you can't deny Sale's passion. Nobody is harder on him than himself.