Aaron Sanchez says he’s ready to contribute to the Toronto Blue Jays whenever he is needed. The Buffalo Bisons starter joined Baseball Central on Sportsnet 590 The Fan Tuesday afternoon, and explained that he’ll be ready when he gets the call.
“It’s all part of the plan that we’ve had from day one,” Sanchez said. “When they call me, I’ll be ready to contribute in any way I possibly can.”
Sanchez was ranked the 32nd-best prospect in baseball by Baseball America coming into the season. That explains why Sanchez’s name has been a constant presence in trade rumours surrounding the Blue Jays, something that will surely only escalate as the team gets closer to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. Sanchez says the rumours don’t bother him.
“I don’t think it has [become a distraction.] In 2012, when I was in Lansing there were a lot of trade talks. At that age I kind of got caught up in that. So I learned from that,” Sanchez said. “If it happens, it happens. You can’t control that.”
Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos has speculated that if Sanchez were the help the Blue Jays in the majors this season, it may be out of the bullpen, something Sanchez says he would have little trouble doing.
“Coming out of the bullpen is not something that’s new to me. I’ve done that before. The routine may be a little different but I don’t think it’s a big problem. Look at the guys who have done it. Adam Wainwright, David Price—that’s not a bad record.”