Toronto Blue Jays: Aaron Sanchez Set to Return to Action on Sunday
By Paul Taylor
The Toronto Blue Jays finally receive some good, with Aaron Sanchez expected to return to the mound on Sunday, versus the Tampa Bay Rays.
Good news has been in short supply for the Toronto Blue Jays so far this season. Look no further than currently holding the worst record in the Majors, entering Friday’s action.
However, the Blue Jays finally have something positive to draw inspiration from. As reported by MLB.com’s Gregor Chisholm, Aaron Sanchez is expected to start on Sunday, versus the Tampa Bay Rays.
Sanchez was originally placed on the 10-day disabled list, retroactive to March 15, as a result of a right middle finger blister. He first encountered problems with the blister during his final start in spring training.
The blister undoubtedly affected the 24-year old’s production, as evidenced by a 4.38 ERA through two starts. As a result, he underwent minor surgery to remove part of the nail on his finger and alleviate the issue.
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Now, Sanchez is on course to return to the rotation, after making it through a 30-pitch bullpen session unscathed on Tuesday. He will have another tune-up session on Friday, in preparation for his start versus the Rays.
Undoubtedly, the return of the Barstow, California native provides a much-needed boost for the struggling Blue Jays. Last year marked his first season as a regular starter, with him being named to the All-Star game and finishing as the ERA leader in the American League.
Assuming everything goes to plan with Sanchez, Marco Estrada will be pushed back to Monday, against the New York Yankees. This would then be followed by either Mat Latos or Casey Lawrence on Tuesday, and Marcus Stroman on Wednesday.
Of course, as should be expected with this year’s edition of the Blue Jays, the good news surrounding Sanchez had to be compromised in some way. In the same update from Chisholm, he advised that J.A. Happ‘s return is not imminent.
Happ has been out of action, since suffering a left elbow inflammation on April 16. He experienced a setback after trying to throw in a side session last week, so is currently resting.
Speaking to Sportsnet and other members of the media, Blue Jays’ manager John Gibbons said:
"“Happ, it’s just a holding pattern. He’s just not ready to crank it up just yet.”"
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Does the return of Sanchez give you reason for optimism that the Blue Jays’ season will start to turn around? Or are you fearing the worst, in respect of their chances of making a third straight appearance in the postseason? Share your thoughts in the comments section.