After a blistering MLB debut in 2020, the Miami Marlins appeared to have a pitching star in Sixto Sanchez.
His arrow was definitely pointing up that year after posting a solid 3.46 ERA in 39 innings, with 33 strikeouts.
But then he injured his shoulder and required surgery.
Further complications in his recovery, conditioning issues, and other problems contributed to the right-hander not pitching in the majors after that promising debut four years ago.
When Sanchez reported to spring training this year, he didn’t look in the best shape.
However, he has been slowly putting in the work and now looks like he has positioned himself for a big-league role in 2024.
“6 scoreless innings for Sixto Sánchez this spring. He’s gone from ‘why is he still here,’ to ‘he’ll be in the Marlins bullpen’ in a matter of weeks,” Marlins reporter Louis Addeo-Weiss tweeted.
6 scoreless innings for Sixto Sánchez this spring. He’s gone from “why is he still here,” to “he’ll be in the Marlins bullpen” in a matter of weeks.
Sanchez has pitched in four spring games, and is yet to allow a run.
He has covered six innings and has conceded just one hit and two walks, striking out four.
He is not fully stretched out, and the Marlins don’t appear inclined to do that so he can return to the rotation.
They are understandably wary of his shoulder, so apparently he is a middle reliever now.
He has the potential to be a very good one, though, now that his fastball is back to the high-90s.
It’s certainly better to be a healthy, solid middle reliever than a potentially great, but injured, starter.
The Marlins could have an underrated, effective member of the bullpen in Sanchez.