Blue Jays: Sanchez exits the game after just one inning

In a game that was supposed to be Aaron Sanchez’s return to the rotation, the budding ace had to exit the game after just one inning pitched.

Aaron Sanchez didn’t last very long in his return to the mound, having to exit his start against the Rays after just one inning pitched. He walked Corey Dickerson to open the game, got Kevin Kiermaier to strike out, and then induced a double play from Evan Longoria, leaving after just 3 outs.

He managed to get through the first inning without allowing a run, but he seemed to be struggling with his command a bit. He did not throw a curveball in the inning, and looked at his finger immediately following the first pitching of his outing.

He was on the DL with blister issues prior to the start, and struggling with command is a common sign of blister issues. Obviously Sanchez would know how his finger was feeling through the inning, which would be the biggest indication.

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The Blue Jays didn’t immediately release any information on his exit from the game, but it’s highly likely that Sanchez was feeling something in the finger as he progressed through the inning. Considering he just came off the DL and has had to miss a couple weeks already, it’s better safe than sorry if the issue was starting to resurface.

If in fact it’s the blister issue again, it’ll call into question the decision to start him on Sunday at all. Granted, the Blue Jays need all the help they can get as they have struggled to a 7-17 start to the season, but they need their young All-Star in the rotation, and rushing him back doesn’t help an already difficult situation.

Sanchez was a key part of the rotation for the Blue Jays last year, leading the AL in ERA with a 3.00 mark, making the All-Star team, and ultimately forcing the club’s hand in keeping him in the rotation all year, despite a plan to eventually move him to the bullpen.

Next: Former Blue Jay, Ricky Romero, released by the Giants

*Update- Sanchez left the game with a split nail on the middle finger of his pitching hand. We’ll update you with more details as they become available.