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Miami Marlins: Sixto Sanchez to undergo shoulder surgery

By David Hill

Mar 15, 2021; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sixto Sanchez (45) walks of the field after being pulled from the spring training game in the 2nd inning against the Houston Astros at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2021; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sixto Sanchez (45) walks of the field after being pulled from the spring training game in the 2nd inning against the Houston Astros at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Miami Marlins had caused a few eyebrows to go up when Sixto Sanchez was not part of their Opening Day roster. He had shown that he belonged in the majors with his impressive run at the end of the 2020 season, leading to the belief that the Marlins were attempting to game his arbitration clock. Instead, they revealed that Sanchez had injured his shoulder, leading to his being shut down for the beginning part of the season.

That injury was worse than anyone had known. Sanchez will undergo season ending surgery to repair a torn posterior shoulder capsule.

Miami Marlins lose top prospect Sixto Sanchez for 2021 season

Further reports indicate that the Marlins were aware of the tear back in March. However, the team was hoping that rest and rehab would be enough to alleviate the issue. That was not the case, as Sanchez will need to go under the knife after all.

light. More Marlins. A key piece returns when needed most

Sanchez is clearly expected to be a key part of the Marlins’ future. He showed the promise in his first taste of the majors last season, posting a 3.46 ERA and a 1.205 WHiP over his 39 innings, striking out 33 batters with just 11 walks. Sanchez was even a key part of the Marlins’ postseason rotation, shutting out the Cubs over five innings in the Wild Card round before taking a loss in the NLDS.

Although Sanchez did not strike out as many batters as expected, his power sinker was still a weapon. He was a ground ball generating machine, with 58.0% of all batted balls being hit into the ground. With a solid defense behind him, Sanchez could have been the piece the Marlins needed this season.

While Miami was a surprise team in 2020, their projected window to contend is not quite open yet. Making certain that Sanchez is healthy and ready to ascend to his place atop the rotation in the coming years is far more important. Their decision to exercise caution when Sanchez was first injured could pay off down the line.

Next. Time to fix the Marlins-Braves mess. dark

The Miami Marlins will be without Sixto Sanchez for the 2021 season. They have to hope that he will be ready for the start of next year.

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