Blue Jays Starting Rotation Power Rankings

Apr 16, 2015; Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

In 2 starts, Aaron Sanchez has gone 0-2. He’s only managed to collect 8.2 innings over these two starts. His K/9 rate is identical to his BB/9 rate of 5.19. And, just to make matters worse, his HR/9 rate is over 2 (2.08) and his xFIp sits at 5.00. To say that Sanchez is struggling early is obvious. Hitters are hitting .333. Now, that also includes a BABIP of .345. Perhaps what is the most scary about his numbers is that there has been a decrease in his ground ball rates from last year to this year and an increase in his fly ball rates.

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In the early goings, he’s using his fastball less in favor of his change. As well, his fastball velocity is down. This wouldn’t be a big deal if he were having success. But, where his selection of 4 seam, 2 seam fastballs and his curveball were all plus pitches last year, they are costing him runs this season. The only good news is that the development of his slider is working well for him. Sanchez is going to have to gain control of his repertoire if he is to land higher on these rankings.

All of this comes with the caveat that we’re comparing his small 2015 sample to a small 2014 sample where he came out of the bullpen. As the season goes on, we’ll be better able to make judgments. Now, this is just for fun.

Next: Blue Jays Rotation Power Rankings #4