Toronto Blue Jays: Should Aaron Sanchez Have an Extended Break?
By Paul Taylor
After initially believing Aaron Sanchez would not need another stint on the disabled list, that’s exactly what has happened to the Toronto Blue Jays pitcher.
When Aaron Sanchez left Sunday’s game versus the Tampa Bay Rays after just one inning, Toronto Blue Jays‘ fans naturally feared the worst. It looked like his return from the disabled list was going to be a short one.
However, as we reported, Sanchez’s removal related to a cracked finger nail, rather than his ongoing blister issues. As such, he wasn’t expected to return to the DL, although Blue Jays’ manager John Gibbons wouldn’t commit to the pitcher making his next start.
Unfortunately, it is now clear this was wishful thinking. In keeping with how the Blue Jays’ season has gone so far, their young budding ace will indeed have another stint on the DL.
As confirmed by Sportsnet‘s Shi Davidi, Sanchez was once again placed on the 10-day DL on Monday. The question is, how long will he be out this time?
Gibbons is optimistic the 24-year old won’t be out for an extended period. Speaking to Davidi and other members of the media, the former catcher said:
"“We need to (make sure he’s fully healed). All indications were everything was good. Everybody thinks it shouldn’t be very long anyway, but that’s important to do. He’s frustrated with it, everybody is frustrated with it. They seem to think once that’s fine, there shouldn’t be any problems with it.”"
Pending any setbacks, the preliminary plan is for Sanchez to pitch in a minor league game, when the Blue Jays next travel to Florida to face the Rays. The three-game series in Tampa Bay takes place between May 5-7.
Of course, the key to all this is the potential for a setback for the Barstow, California native. In fact, while the official stance is the Blue Jays won’t try to rush him back, you have to wonder if that will be the case.
Consider that twice in the last few days, the team has said they don’t expect Sanchez to be out for long. However, you could make an argument that they need to give him an extended rest, to make sure he heals properly.
More from Toronto Blue Jays
- Blue Jays avoid disaster as Kevin Gausman injury not serious
- Blue Jays interested in outfielder Andrew Benintendi
- Blue Jays hope fresh start for Sergio Romo boosts bullpen
- Blue Jays need to have a break from Yusei Kikuchi
- Blue Jays: Nate Pearson suffers yet another setback
It doesn’t matter that this time the problem was a cracked fingernail, rather than further trouble with the 2010 first round draft pick’s blister. It’s all related, with him recently undergoing surgery to remove a quarter of the fingernail on his right middle finger, to alleviate the blister issue he has been dealing with since his final start in spring training. (In fact, Sanchez’s blister issues in general go much further back.)
The problem is, the Blue Jays are under pressure to turn things around after a disastrous 8-17 record in April. It doesn’t help that J.A. Happ is also currently missing from a rotation which enjoyed remarkable health last season.
Overall, Blue Jays fans can only hope the club will do what’s best for Sanchez in the long run. In the meantime, Danny Barnes has been recalled from Buffalo, to provide some much-needed depth.
Next: 3 Factors that will Influence Jays' Success in May
In light of the latest developments, are you concerned Sanchez will have ongoing problems for the foreseeable future, or are you confident the issue will be quickly resolved? Should the Jays give him an extended break, just to make sure he will heal properly? Share your thoughts in the comments section.