CHICAGO – Aaron Sanchez is scheduled to throw two innings in a Gulf Coast League game on Tuesday as the Toronto Blue Jays right-hander continues to progress in his recovery from a lat strain.
The game action will be Sanchez’s first since he pitched into the ninth inning against the Houston Astros on June 5. He resumed throwing off a mound last week and has reported feeling good and strong after each session.
There’s still no timeline for his return, but the fifth starter’s spot comes open once more on the Sunday before the all-star break, and the Blue Jays won’t need someone again until July 22, six days after the season resumes.
OSUNA FINE: Roberto Osuna raised some alarm bells when he was visited on the mound after tugging at his back Sunday, but manager John Gibbons said everything is “OK” with his young right-hander.
Osuna threw 23 pitches in collecting four outs for his third save in Sunday’s 10-5 win over the Detroit Tigers. All three of his saves so far have required at least four outs.
MIGHTY MARTIN: Blue Jays manager John Gibbons was surprised that Russell Martin’s all-star selection was his first since the 2011 season.
Other things he’s learned about his catcher?
“I didn’t know he was as tough as he is,” said Gibbons. “He’s had the crap beat out of him, especially early in the season. I haven’t seen anything like it. We were scattering that ball pretty good. Throwing some 50-footers with the best of them, and he just kept taking it. He’s held up pretty good.”