Chris Sale reportedly sent home after argument over uniforms escalates
— -- CHICAGO -- The White Sox scratched ace Chris Sale from Saturday night's start against the Detroit Tigers due to a reported dispute over the team's uniforms.
According to ESPN and multiple reports, Sale expressed displeasure over having to wear the White Sox's 1976 navy-collared throwbacks, and the matter escalated from there, leading to a confrontation with a member of Chicago's front office and the team's decision to send him home from U.S. Cellular Field.
FanRagSports.com first reported that Sale cut up the 1976 throwbacks during batting practice so they couldn't be worn. Fox Sports reported that Sale's dislike for the uniforms was because he felt they're uncomfortable and that the pitcher viewed having to wear them as the White Sox putting "PR and jersey sales" ahead of winning.
The White Sox instead played in their 1983 white, red and blue throwbacks, which they have worn in the past.
News of Sale's removal from the scheduled start trickled out about an hour before the scheduled 7:15 p.m. ET first pitch in Chicago. White Sox general manager Rick Hahn clarified what occurred in a statement released at about 6:45 p.m. ET.
"Chris Sale has been scratched from tonight's scheduled start and sent home from the ballpark by the White Sox due to a clubhouse incident before the game," Hahn said. "The incident, which was non-physical in nature, currently is under further investigation by the club. The White Sox will have no additional comment until the investigation is completed."
Sale has had run-ins with the White Sox front office in the past, and sources around the team say his relationship is strained with executive vice president Kenny Williams and some members of the front office.
Williams had no comment on Saturday night's incident.
The White Sox clubhouse was open to reporters for only 20 minutes before it was closed for a team meeting before the game. Manager Robin Ventura did not discuss the incident later in his pregame availability.
Matt Albers started in Sale's place. The crowd booed when Albers was announced as the starter as the teams warmed up. First pitch was briefly delayed by rain.
The decision to scratch Sale was met with rampant speculation, especially considering the five-time All-Star has been mentioned in trade rumors in recent days.
The White Sox entered Saturday night in fourth place (46-50) in the AL Central, and Hahn recently told reporters he would be "open-minded" to all trade scenarios, with the exception of short-term rentals.
Hahn admitted that trading either his 27-year-old ace or Jose Quintana "may be extreme," even if the team decides to undergo a rebuild, but that did not stop the trade talk from picking up in the hours before Sale's scheduled start on Saturday.
The White Sox are reportedly asking for a massive haul in return for Sale -- one source told ESPN.com that Chicago is seeking five to seven prospects -- with the Boston Red Sox and the Texas Rangers rumored to be among those interested.
Sale is 14-3 with a 3.18 ERA this season. He had 274 strikeouts in 2015, the most in the AL.
Information from ESPN's Katie Strang, Jerry Crasnick and Doug Padilla and the Associated Press was used in this report.
