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New York Yankees: Top Prospect Gary Sanchez Gets Promoted

By Joe Perri

Mar 23, 2016; Melbourne, FL, USA; New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez (72) hits a fly ball in the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Space Coast Stadium. The Washington Nationals won 13-0. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2016; Melbourne, FL, USA; New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez (72) hits a fly ball in the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Space Coast Stadium. The Washington Nationals won 13-0. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Yankees have called up right handed hitting catching sensation Gary Sanchez for their upcoming series with the Chicago White Sox. While it may only be for a short stint, he’ll have an opportunity to showcase his skills on the big league level.

With the Chicago White Sox coming to town, the New York Yankees will see two difficult left-handed pitchers in Chris Sale, and Jose Quintana. Yankees’ brass felt that this would be an ideal time to call up one of their top right-handed hitting catching prospects in Gary Sanchez.

While this may only be a short stint for Sanchez with back to back left handed pitchers due up, it could be a glimpse into the future at one of the projected core pieces for the major league team.

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Sanchez tore up the Arizona Fall League earning MVP honors with his league leading seven home runs and 21 RBI’s. His performance in the Fall led people to believe that he could serve as the backup to Brian McCann at the start of 2016. Unfortunately for Sanchez, Austin Romine beat him out for the position in Spring Training which led to his demotion back to Triple-A.

General Manager Brian Cashman felt that the 23 year old star prospect could have been pressing in Spring Training: “It might be playing a little bit in the results,” the GM said. “This is going to be a guy who’s going to be without a doubt an everyday catcher in the big leagues. Real high ceiling.”

This season in Triple-A, the young catcher has been on a mission to get back to the show. In 27 games, Sanchez has hit .288 with 11 doubles, five home runs, and 21 RBI’s. He’s also lowered his strikeout percentage from 19.4 last season to 15.7. All of this equals a call up to the major leagues.

Having success against Sale and Quintana will be a challenge, however for Sanchez and the rest of the Yankees’ lineup. The two lefties have combined for a twelve and one record with a 1.58 ERA, 87 strikeouts in 96 innings pitched, and a 0.88 WHIP.

Gary has come a long way since being suspended for two weeks in 2011 for insubordination and again in 2014 for reasons undisclosed. His character issues seem to be a thing of the past though, as he’s been squeaky clean for two years and has appeared to have settled down with his family:

Screen Shot 2016-05-13 at 2.21.07 AM
Screen Shot 2016-05-13 at 2.21.07 AM /

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If the talented prospect can put together a few productive at bats against the tough Chicago White Sox’s rotation, you never know what could happen. As far as Gary Sanchez is concerned, he’d like to take back what he feels like he lost in the back-up catcher role for the New York Yankees.

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