MLB notebook: Boston's Sale TBD for Game 5

[October 17, 2018]  Boston Red Sox left-hander Chris Sale was back with the team on Tuesday before Game 3 of the American League Championship Series in Houston.

Sale, hospitalized Sunday for a stomach ailment, was released from the hospital on Monday. His physical condition was not clear, and Red Sox manager Alex Cora said before Tuesday's game with the Astros that Sale would be evaluated before the team determines his status for Game 5.

Left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez would likely start if Sale cannot go, Cora said. However, the Red Sox would also consider making Game 5 a collective "bullpen game."

Sale started Game 1 and received a no-decision in Houston's 7-2 victory. He gave up two runs, one hit, four walks and a hit batter in four innings. He struck out five but did not have his usual fastball velocity.

--Criticized for his effort so far in the National League Championship Series, Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Manny Machado told The Athletic that being "Johnny Hustle" is not his "cup of tea."

"Obviously I'm not going to change," Machado said. "I'm not the type of player that's going to be 'Johnny Hustle,' and run down the line and slide to first base and ... you know, whatever can happen. That's just not my personality, that's not my cup of tea, that's not who I am."

The Dodgers trail the Milwaukee Brewers 2-1 in the best-of-seven NLCS. Machado is a free agent at the end of this season.

--Houston Astros star Jose Altuve served as designated hitter for Game 3 of the American League Championship Series after aggravating a right knee injury in each of the first two games of the series against the Boston Red Sox.

Red Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (41) pitches during the first inning against the Houston Astros in game one of the 2018 ALCS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Altuve, a second baseman, went on the disabled list in July due to soreness in the same knee and missed nearly four weeks.

"It's bugging him," Astros manager A.J. Hinch told reporters prior to Game 3. "He's doing everything he can to play and he's trying not to make a big deal out of it. I know moving him to the DH spot brings the first couple questions about it. But he'll do anything we ask, which is commendable."

--The Los Angeles Angels have opted out of their lease with the city of Anaheim, Calif., casting doubt on whether or not Angel Stadium will remain their home.

The Angels have played at Angel Stadium since it opened in 1966. It is the fourth-oldest park in the majors behind Boston's Fenway Park, Chicago's Wrigley Field and Los Angeles' Dodger Stadium.

The team has explored options in nearby cities Carson, Irvine and Tustin in recent years. The Angels haven't negotiated with Anaheim officials since 2014.

--Field Level Media

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