Blue Jays can maximize Aaron Sanchez’s efficiency out of bullpen
After three starts apiece in the rotation by both Aaron Sanchez and Daniel Norris of the Toronto Blue Jays, not many positives can be taken away from their outings yet. While neither pitchers are a day over 23 years in age, ups and downs can be expected out of rookies. It’s difficult to see Sanchez struggle in the way he has, because Jays fans saw a glimpse of his true potential in 2014, but it was out of the bullpen.
It might be time for manager John Gibbons to consider a move. Not necessarily a demotion for Sanchez, though any starter would likely see it as just that with a move to the bullpen so soon in the season. Shuffling Sanchez to Triple-A is not the right move. His confidence is already low, but so are other things.
Out of the bullpen in 2014, Sanchez’s four-seam fastball averaged 96.9 mph and hit as high as 99.3 on the radar gun. While his velocity was up, his command was also much better, posting a 15.2 percent walk rate with his four-seamer. His 3.0 K:BB ratio was especially refreshing to see out of the youngster.
As a starter in 2015, Sanchez has seen his velocity and accuracy with his four-seam fastball dissipate. It’s averaging 92.8 mph with his walk rate on that pitch up to 20 percent. Last season, opponents hit only .185 against it and through 14 innings this year they are hitting the four-seamer at a .438 clip. Overall on his pitches, Sanchez’s K:BB has dropped from 3.0 in ’14 to 0.75 in ’15.
What’s worse is Sanchez considers the two-seamer his go-to offering. He threw it more than any other pitch in 2014 and is continuing with that trend in 2015, but his lack of efficiency starting games has hurt the potential of this pitch as well. His K% in 2014 using it was an impressive 23.9 compared to a lackluster 6.7 percent in 2015.
Oddly enough, Sanchez’s curveball has been the only pitch to experience success in 2015, even from an accuracy standpoint. That’s compelling for an off-speed pitch, but he has only used it 34 times out of 234 total pitches thrown this year. His strikeout rate on it is 50 percent and he is yet to walk a hitter, while the BAA it is only .100.
With Marco Estrada lingering in the bullpen and having 71 career starts to his name, it might be time for Gibbons to give the 22-year-old Sanchez’s right arm a break. In moving him to the bullpen, Sanchez should be able to increase his effectiveness while building up some added arm strength and confidence. There’s no reason to suggest a move back to the rotation this season is out of the question. But with two rookies simultaneously struggling in the rotation, it’s already taking it’s toll on the bullpen.
Neither Sanchez nor Norris have been able to pitch out of the sixth inning so far this year. That’s straining the relief staff and also probably catcher Russell Martin‘s patience and mental focus. Sanchez walked seven hitters in his start last night versus the Baltimore Orioles.
Estrada has a 1.42 ERA through 6.1 IP this year. He has the stamina to start games and presented the Milwaukee Brewers with nine quality starts from the 18 he registered in 2014. The success of fellow youngsters Miguel Castro and Roberto Osuna as relievers should only further give Sanchez the acceptance and fit he is looking for right now on an MLB roster.
Though the Toronto Blue Jays are winning more games than they’re losing right now, it’s no thanks to their starting pitchers who have a 4.97 ERA and the second most walks issued league-wide. The Blue Jays’ offense has scored 87 runs, more than any other team in MLB this year. Giving Estrada a look at starting now could lead to Sanchez’s efficiency potentially shifting upward. If that happens, he’ll be much more of an asset to the club in August and September, just like he was last season.