ChiSox send Sale to DL

Apr 22, 2014 - 6:59 PM Detroit, MI (SportsNetwork.com) - The Chicago White Sox have placed ace pitcher Chris Sale on the 15-day disabled list.

Sale, who had been scheduled to start Tuesday's game at Detroit, was diagnosed with a flexor muscle strain in his left arm, though an MRI showed no ligament damage in his elbow and the White Sox are hopeful he'll be able to return shortly after he's eligible.

The two-time All-Star experienced soreness in his arm shortly after last Thursday's start against Boston, in which Sale threw a career-high 127 pitches.

Sale was off to an excellent beginning to the season, posting a 3-0 record with a 2.30 ERA through four starts and striking out 29 batters over 27 1/3 innings. Opponents have hit just .168 off the 6-foot-6 southpaw this year.

Fellow left-hander Charlie Leesman was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte to start in place of Sale. The 27-year-old posted a 1.59 ERA in his first three starts for the Knights.

Leesman will draw his second career starting assignment in the majors. He allowed one run and fanned eight over five innings against Minnesota in his big league debut on Aug. 9 of last season.