Chris Sale has attempted to look like his old ace-self amid his rehab back to a major league mound. 

He might’ve gone too far, however, reverting back to his toddler-self.  

“I acted like an idiot last night and I’ve acted like an idiot before,” Chris Sale told reporters on Thursday, per MassLive.com. 

On Wednesday, video of the rehabbing Red Sox ace’s meltdown in the dugout went viral. After struggling during a rehab start with Triple-A Worcester, the 33-year-old lefty decided to take his frustration out on anything in sight inside the dugout. He was seen aggressively ripping things off the wall, throwing things, and causing loud bangs. 

Sale walked five hitters in 3 2/3 innings in what was his fourth rehab start. 

“It’s just a 7-year-old temper tantrum,” Sale said. “It’s not not something I’m proud of. It’s not something I want to do. But like I said, stuff happens, man. Gotta get it out.”

Sale, who’s had fiery outbursts on the mound and in the dugout in the past, thought his most recent tantrum was in private. Despite holding himself accountable for his actions, he wasn’t happy it was recorded and made available to see. 

“I’ve been told through the years, hey, take it to the tunnel,” Sale said. “So you think you’re in a safe space and you think that you’re in private. That’s a place that you’re not supposed to really have cameras. There’s no public access to that. So I thought I was in kind of a safer spot, but is what it is, man. It’s who I am. It’s what makes me a big leaguer. It’s what makes me good at my job. It might not be the best for the public eye, but what is? Who’s perfect? Name him. I’d love to shake his hand.”

Since signing his five-year, $145 million contract extension in 2019, Sale has pitched just 42 2/3 innings with the Red Sox. Shortly after the extension, he missed the entire 2019 season with elbow inflammation and the entire 2020 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He’s currently recovering from a right rib stress fracture he suffered while throwing batting practice in February. 

In his four rehab starts this season, Sale owns a 2.38 ERA and has struck out 19 batters in 11.1 innings pitched.

Despite his rough recent outing, Sale insists his MLB return will occur soon. 

“I’m very ready,” Sale told the Boston Globe on Wednesday. “I know today was a little bit of a hiccup but it’s nothing that can’t be ironed out. … I just want to be a part of it. I want to get back to doing my job and pulling my weight.”