White Sox have no issue with Sale in All-Star Game this year

SHARE White Sox have no issue with Sale in All-Star Game this year
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White Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale might be the leading contender to start in the All-Star Game for the American League next Tuesday. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

The White Sox were leery about having Chris Sale pitch in the All-Star Game on what would have been two days rest following a 115-pitch outing against the Cubs last season, but he would have three days rest at the Midsummer Classic next Tuesday in San Diego, so there shouldn’t be any hang-ups.

Manager Robin Ventura said Monday that rest wouldn’t be an issue this year.

Sale (14-2, 2.93 ERA) is slated to pitch Friday against the Atlanta Braves at U.S. Cellular Field, and the Sox won’t rush him back into the rotation after the All-Star Game. Pitching coach Don Cooper said the post-break rotation plan isn’t set yet, but Ventura said Sale won’t start against the Angels in Anaheim, Calif., when play resumes after the break.

“That much I know,’’ Ventura said.

“You’re going to give him the proper rest to slot back in that he would feel comfortable and strong when he goes back out there.’’

Sale, who leads the AL in wins, strikeouts and innings, rates an edge over 23-year-old AL Pitcher of the Month in June, Danny Salazar (10-3, 2.22 ERA). Salazar is slated to pitch against the Yankees Saturday, which would put him in the same spot rest-wise Sale was in last year. Sale also has a significant body of excellent work over his career, for what that’s worth.

“I would like to see [Sale] do whatever he wants to do,’’ Ventura said of Sale, 26, an All-Star in each of his four seasons as a starting pitcher. “He’s earned the right to do it. Whether they ask him to do it and he does it is another thing.’’

Anderson keeps on rolling

Rookie shortstop Tim Anderson reached on an infield single in the first inning and hit a game-tying homer to center on a low fastball from CC Sabathia in the third for his 12th multi-hit game in his first 23 as a major leaguer. The homer snapped the Sox streak of 15 consecutive solo home runs, and it was the Sox’ 23rd in the last 13 games.

“Every day I’m gaining a lot of confidence,’’ Anderson said. “I just feel a lot better than I did when I first came up.’’

Anderson, who has excellent speed, tried bunting for a single with Jason Coats on first base and one out in the fourth but was credited with a sacrifice. The bunt wouldn’t be a bad addition to Anderson’s game, although he’s doing fine so far with a .308 average.

“In AAA I bunted like four or five times. I wouldn’t say I’m the best at it but I push bunt better,’’ Anderson said.

Anderson started slowly in his first AAA season this year and said he used the bunt to get his bat going.

“It helped me get back on track,’’ said. “Helped me get more opportunities to get a hit. Anything to get it back going.’’

This and that

*Jose Abreu and Brett Lawrie extended hitting streaks to seven games, and Todd Frazier has a six-game streak.

*Dioner Navarro is 11-for-39 (.289) with three homers and seven extra-base hits and nine RBI over the last 12 games.

*Melky Cabrera (2-for-5, diving catch) returned after missing five games with a sprained right wrist. Cabrera is batting .350 over his last 21 games.

*Former Cub Starlin Castro was 4-for-4 with two doubles for the Yankees.

*Justin Morneau began his AAA rehab stint at Charlotte Monday, batting third as the Knights’ designated hitter.

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