Miami Marlins have reason for caution with Sixto Sanchez

The Miami Marlins have yet to begin their first game of the 2021 season, and they already have a potential problem in the rotation. Sixto Sanchez had already been behind to get ready for the season, having been sent to the Marlins’ alternate site in an attempt to build up his pitch count for the coming season.

However, the Marlins may have reason for concern. Sanchez was pulled after the second inning of his simulated game on Wednesday after complaining of shoulder discomfort.

Miami Marlins cannot afford to lose Sixto Sanchez

To this point, his removal was considered precautionary. Nonetheless, the idea that Sanchez, who was expected to be a key part of the Marlins’ rotation is dealing with shoulder woes at this point is concerning.

Sanchez had been sent to the alternate site strictly because he had been behind in spring training due to COVID-19 protocols earlier in March. He had just eight innings during the spring, allowing five hits and two walks while striking out three. Miami had been hoping to extend Sanchez to 75 pitches with the plan to have him ready for the middle of April.

He had displayed the potential to be a top of the rotation arm in his brief time in the majors. He posted a 3.46 ERA and a 1.205 WHiP in his 39 innings, issuing 11 walks while striking out 33 batters. That production had the Marlins hoping that he would join Pedro Lopez and Sandy Alcantara to provide a formidable trio atop the rotation.

An injury to Sanchez could be devastating, not just to those hopes, but to the Marlins hopes this season. A surprise playoff team in 2020, Miami had hoped to take another step forward. However, to do that, they need to have Sanchez ready to go as soon as they can.

The Miami Marlins could have a problem. Sixto Sanchez had been removed from his simulated start on Wednesday due to shoulder discomfort.