CHICAGO -- White Sox ace left-hander Chris Sale was scratched from his start against the Tigers on Saturday night at U.S. Cellular Field and sent home after a pregame incident in the clubhouse.A source told MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi that the incident stemmed in part from Sale protesting the use of throwback jerseys in Saturday's game. The club has not confirmed that detail, which was first reported by Tommy Stokke of FanRag Sports. 
The White Sox issued a statement about the decision to send Sale home. Right-hander Matt Albers, a reliever, made his first start since 2008 after a brief rain delay."Chris Sale has been scratched from tonight's scheduled start and sent home from the ballpark by the White Sox due to a clubhouse incident before the game," general manager Rick Hahn said in the statement. "The incident, which was non-physical in nature, currently is under further investigation by the club."
The statement concluded with the White Sox saying no further comment will be made until their investigation is complete.
Chicago's clubhouse was closed earlier than normal before the game for a travel meeting about the White Sox annual crosstown trip to play the Cubs next week at Wrigley Field. It's unknown whether the incident with Sale occurred before, during or after the meeting.
Sale (14-3) has become the subject of widespread trade speculation as the Aug. 1 non-waiver Trade Deadline approaches. Prior to the opener of this series, reports surfaced that teams were inquiring about some of the White Sox top players, including Sale. Hahn didn't deny there had been inquiries and said the White Sox front office would keep "an open mind."
As soon as news of Sale being scratched began spreading on social media, trade speculation involving the lefty picked back up. The White Sox released their statement about 30 minutes before the game's originally scheduled first pitch of 6:10 p.m. CT.
Brian Hedger /MLB.com
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