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While he isn't injured, the likelihood of 23-year old Chris Sale participating in the 2013 World Baseball Classic in March seems slim, according to the young pitcher, himself. In an interview with MLB.com, Sale said that he'd love to represent his country and pitch for Team USA, but wouldn't want to jeopardize his role with the White Sox:
"I don't think throwing as much as I threw last year and exceeding limits that were set, I don't think throwing in competition earlier than I was supposed to be is best for myself and the team," Sale told MLB.com during a phone interview from his Florida home. "I want to be as strong as I can for the whole year, for myself and for my team. I want to still have gas left in the tank if we get into October like I hope.
In his third season with the White Sox and his first as a full-time member of the starting rotation, Sale posted a 17-8 record with a 3.05 earned run average. He struck out 192 batters in 192 innings through the season and earned an appearance in the 2012 All-Star Game before finishing the season sixth in the voting for the American League Cy Young Award.
While Sale is unlikely to play for Team USA, his White Sox teammate and fellow pitcher, Hector Santiago is hopeful that he'll have the opportunity to represent Puerto Rico in the tournament.