Chris Sale jokes 'stomach illness' was caused by belly-button ring

Bob Nightengale | USA TODAY

BOSTON — Red Sox ace Chris Sale, speaking for the first time since he was hospitalized with a stomach ailment, divulged what actually happened Saturday that forced him to miss a start in the American League Championship Series.

“I had an irritation from a belly-button ring that I kind of constantly was pulling in and out,’’ Sale said. “It caused an irritation, a rash down there, so I had to take care of that. The doctors and nurses at MGH [Massachusetts General Hospital] were awesome.

“Things happen. You handle them. And keep moving forward.’’

Sale, speaking in front of about 20 reporters and cameramen, never cracked a smile. Never winked. Nothing. He looked dead serious.

It was reported that way, too, much to Sale’s delight, the ultimate prankster.

Sale confided to several teammates that he was going to tell his tale and see if he could fool the media into buying it.

Mission accomplished.

“He told me that he was going to say that,’’ one Red Sox player told USA TODAY Sports, “but I didn’t believe him.’’

The player spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect Sale’s joke.

Sale has been dealing with an inflamed shoulder, which sidelined him for all but 17 innings the final two months of the season.

Yet, after missing his Game 5 start against Houston, Sale says he now feels fine, throwing a bullpen session Saturday with no discomfort.

“I feel back to normal,’’ said Sale, who walked four batters in four innings with decreased velocity in his Game 1 loss to the to the Astros.

Sale will pitch Game 1 of the World Series, Red Sox manager Alex Cora confirmed Saturday, making the first World Series start of his career.

“It’s going to be awesome,’’ Sale said, “I’m excited for it. It’s a dream. When you’re a kid, this is the series you dream about. This is what we worked hard for all year to have an opportunity to play in the World Series. That’s what we talked about all year from Day 1.

“We’re all excited. Now, we have a chance to win the last game of the year, and that’s about as exciting as it gets.

“We’re going to grind like hell, and give them everything we’ve got.’’

Belly-button ring and all.