Pair Of 2018 Red Sox Reunite To Form Battery In Triple-A Rehab Start

Chris Sale might not love pitching in the minors, even for a rehab assignment, but he had to love his catcher over the weekend.

The Atlanta Braves starter pitched for Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday in a rehab start as he works his way back from a ribcage injury.

Awaiting him to catch his rehab game was none other than fellow 2018 World Series winner, Sandy Leon. Leon had just been outrighted off the Braves’ roster to make room for the return of Ronald Acuña Jr.

Though never officially his personal catcher, Leon was Sale’s preferred backstop for years in Boston. While his offense has historically been capped, Leon has constantly made his way onto rosters as an exceptional game-caller and solid fielder.

And, true to form, Leon even gave Sale a little boost by helping him get a strikeout by way of ABS.

Leon has bounced around, largely on minor league deals, since the Red Sox traded him to Cleveland following the 2019 season. He appeared in two games with Atlanta this season, and has made big league appearances each year, save for 2024, since departing Boston.

Sale ultimately went four frames in the start, striking out four and allowing an earned run on three hits and one walk. He is likely to make one more start before returning to the Braves.