Andrew Bailey reached out to Red Sox left-hander before being hired as new pitching coach

Andrew Bailey is beginning to forge relationships with pitchers on his staff, including Chris Sale

Image courtesy of AP Photos

Andrew Bailey wasn’t even hired by the Red Sox yet and he was already reaching out to potential players he would be coaching in Boston.

During his introductory press conference on Tuesday evening, Bailey told reporters that before he was hired by the Sox, he reached out to Chris Sale.

“I’m looking forward to grow that relationship and be alongside him for a really long time,” said Bailey. “He’s been around the game of baseball and has seen a lot of games through multiple lenses. I think our ability to have honest conversations — tell each other yes, tell each other no — and operate in a professional manner is great.”

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The 34-year-old made just 17 starts in 2023, tossing 86 2/3 innings, posting a 4.88 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. He missed time during the summer due to left shoulder inflammation.

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Sale is incredibly talented, but has struggled to pitch for the Red Sox the last few seasons due to various injuries. Following his rehab and return from Tommy John surgery, Sale began the 2022 season on the IL recovering from a rib injury suffered prior to spring training.

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He would later make his return and was hit with a line drive off his hand, breaking his pinky finger. A few weeks following that injury, he broke his wrist in a bicycle accident and missed the remainder of the 2022 season.

Bailey may not be able to fully control Sale’s health but being able to establish a relationship early, he can understand how the lefty goes about his business, help reel him in and come up with a  program that Boston can maximize Sale for the longevity of the regular season.

In addition to Sale, Bailey spoke highly of right-handed pitcher Mauricio Llovera, saying it he was “fortunate” to work with him in San Francisco. Bailey also joked about not having to face Kenley Jansen any longer and discussed Garrett Whitlock’s potential.

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“I think there’s a litany of arms that are special in Boston,” he said, “And I’m hoping to help them perform at their best as often as possible.”

Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisHenrique

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