Chris Sale, returning from the COVID-19 list, reveals he has not been vaccinated

Chris Sale allowed one run in five innings Friday night.Barry Chin/Globe Staff

Red Sox ace Chris Sale, just reinstated from the COVID-19 list, disclosed Friday he is unvaccinated.

“No, I am not [vaccinated],” he said.

Sale pitched five innings and allowed one run in the Red Sox’ 7-1 victory Friday night in his return to the team.

This is not Sale’s first run-in with COVID. He contracted the virus prior to the season. This time, Sale said he was alarmed to get the call from the training staff saying he was COVID positive.

" I get a phone call and they’re like, ‘Hey, you tested positive for COVID,’” Sale said. “I don’t know how. I didn’t feel bad. I never had a cough or the runs or any of the other symptoms that come with it. So it was just kind of a head-scratcher.”

Sale, who went to the COVID-related IL before the Sox’ series against the White Sox last Friday but tested positive before then, was forced into quarantine. He had to work out at his home before being cleared for Friday’s start. While he was quarantined, Sale said he had constant check-ins with team doctors.

“They were checking in on me every day, making sure I was doing all right,” Sale said. “I work hard to maintain a good diet and exercise routine and I take vitamins every day. So, I was prepared for this. In the end it worked out.”