Toronto Blue Jays 2019 season preview: Starting rotation boasts strong talent
By Austin Owens
Aaron Sanchez
Sanchez might be the man that Jays fans are most looking forward to seeing toe the rubber in 2019.
2016 was Sanchez’s breakout year as a starting pitcher. He went 15-2 on the year and posted a 3.00 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 161 strikeouts across 192 innings. That earned him his first career All-Star nod and a spot on the AL Cy Young shortlist.
Sanchez has been plagued by hand injuries over the past two years. In 2017, he only pitched 36 innings, mainly due to a blister issue.
The 26-year-old did deal with finger injuries last year as well, but they were unrelated to the issues from the season prior. In 2018, he made 20 starts, going just 4-6 on the year with a 4.89 ERA and 4.74 FIP.
Sanchez had a truly impressive spring, going 2-0 with a 1.53 ERA and a WHIP under one. In his final start of the spring, he posted six scoreless innings, striking out three and only allowing one hit to the Baltimore Orioles.
With a spot in the middle of the rotation, Sanchez will get his first start of the season against the Detroit Tigers. That will hopefully get him off on the right foot in what looks to be a big season for the righty.