Chris Sale misses start for White Sox because of clubhouse incident

Chicago White Sox ace Chris Sale was scratched from his start Saturday against Detroit and sent home from the park after he was involved in what the team called a “non-physical clubhouse incident.”

Sale, who was to attempt to become the majors’ first 15-game winner, was sent home from the park.

“The incident, which was non-physical in nature, currently is under further investigation by the club,” General Manager Rick Hahn said in a statement. “The White Sox will have no additional comment until the investigation is completed.”

The White Sox clubhouse was open to reporters for only 20 minutes before it was closed for a team meeting before the game. Manager Robin Ventura did not discuss the incident later in his pregame availability.

Right-hander Matt Albers started in Sale’s place and the White Sox planned to use multiple relievers. The crowd booed when Albers was announced as the starter as the teams warmed up.

Sale had been shown as the starter on the scoreboard until about 15 minutes before the scheduled first pitch, which was delayed 10 minutes by rain.

With the White Sox fading from playoff contention, Sale’s name has been mentioned as a possible trade target for contending teams.

The left-hander, 14-3 with a 3.18 ERA, has been outspoken in the past.

Sale was openly critical of team President Ken Williams during spring training when he said the son of teammate Adam LaRoche would no longer be allowed in the clubhouse. LaRoche retired as a result, and Sale hung LaRoche’s jersey in his locker.

The 27-year-old Sale has said he’d like to stay in Chicago. He was the 13th overall pick out of Florida Gulf Coast in 2010 and has been selected as an All-Star five times. He started for the American League in this month’s All-Star Game.

Sale, who is 71-43 in his career, entered the day leading the majors with 133 innings pitched and three complete games.

Hall inductions

Former Dodgers catcher Mike Piazza and former Seattle Mariners center fielder Ken Griffey Jr., elected to the Hall of Fame in December, will be inducted Sunday.

Etc.

Pittsburgh rookie right-hander Tyler Glasnow was removed from his second major league start in the fourth inning against Philadelphia with shoulder discomfort. Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp left in the third inning after being hit on the left ear flap of his batting helmet by a Glasnow pitch. . . . Arizona activated infielder Chris Owings and put shortstop Nick Ahmed on the disabled list because of a sore right hip.