Ending a short-lived potential return to the bullpen in 2017, the Blue Jays officially shut down starting pitcher Aaron Sanchez for the remainder of the season with blister complications, as the team announced after Sunday’s 8-2 win over the Detroit Tigers.
Unlike the injury that previously spoiled Sanchez’s season, a pulley strain is the culprit this time, per the Blue Jays. While fiddling with different grips in an attempt to avoid a blister, Sanchez created a force opposite to what he is used to.
Sanchez made just eight starts and was plagued with issues on his right middle finger for the entire season. At one point, Sanchez underwent surgery to remove part of his finger nail, theoretically relieving pressure on the problem finger. However, the procedure did not prove effective.
“Back when we did the operation, the mindset was that I'd have 28 more starts and we didn't want to keep tinkering with it like we did last year,” he told John Lott of The Athletic. “Would (not having surgery) have been the better option? Who knows?”
In 36 innings, Sanchez posted an ERA of 4.25, just one season after leading the American League in ERA at 3.00. His strikeout-to-walk rate dropped dramatically.
“I'd be pretty upset if I pick up a ball in December and (the problem) is still lingering around,” Sanchez concluded.
Riding a two home run, five-RBI game from Teoscar Hernandez, the Blue Jays beat the Detroit Tigers 8-2 to win the series on Sunday. Hernandez is the first Toronto rookie since J.P. Arencibia in 2011 to have a multi-home-run game and the first Blue Jay rookie since Anthony Gose in 2012 to have a five-RBI game.
After being swept by the Cleveland baseball team (18 consecutive wins, mind you), the Baltimore Orioles will head to Toronto tonight to play the Blue Jays at 7:07 ET. Marco Estrada will pitch for Toronto while Ubaldo Jimenez and his 6.80 ERA starts for Baltimore.
As things stand now, the Orioles are three games out of the second American League wildcard spot.
The Vancouver Canadians lost 4-2 in the Northwest League Championship last night, allowing Eugene to tie the series at one apiece. The Canadians only managed to collect three hits and struck out 13 times.
Tonight, Nate Pearson is on the mound for Vancouver with the hopes of going ahead 2-1 in the series.