Sources: Chris Sale Is Done For 2019, But Is Expected To Avoid TJ Surgery

Jeff Passan of ESPN reports that "sources familiar with the situation" say that Chris Sale will miss the remainder of the regular season, but is expected to avoid Tommy John surgery after meeting with Dr. James Andrews today.

Andrews confirmed the Red Sox's diagnosis of inflammation and will re-examine Sale in six weeks.

Passan:

Following his most recent start six days ago, Sale felt soreness in his elbow and underwent an MRI. Initial readings showed changes from the MRI Sale had in the spring but weren't clear enough to determine whether there is damage to his ulnar collateral ligament. ...

Monday's news delivered a collective sigh of relief in Boston, although it will be clearer in October how Sale responds to the treatment of rest and PRP biologics. The plasma, taken from a person's blood and spun in a centrifuge to isolate growth-factor-heavy platelets, is used to promote healing. In a number of cases, including that of New York Yankees starter Masahiro Tanaka, it has helped pitchers avoid elbow surgery.