Blue Jays’ Aaron Sanchez throws in a bullpen session

Aaron Sanchez lasted one inning against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday, April 30, leaving with a split nail on the same troublesome middle finger on his pitching hand. Sanchez picked up the baseball for the first time in a week.

According to Sportsnet’s Arash Madani, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Aaron Sanchez threw 33 pitches in a bullpen side session off the mound early Sunday morning.

Sanchez is currently on the DL for the second time this season, dealing with a split nail on the middle finger of his pitching hand. He also hit the DL earlier this season, dealing with blister issues, so it’s been a tough start for last year’s AL ERA leader.

“There’s nothing wrong with the blister. The nail procedure freed up everything.” said Sanchez in regards to his blister problem.

The Blue Jays basically rushed him to return from the DL. It’s good to know that there was no sign of blood during his bullpen session. Sanchez should be encouraged by how his session went. It’s a step in the right direction.

The next step moving forward is to have the 24-year old start an extended spring game in the Gulf Coast League this Tuesday.

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With the Blue Jays pitching rotation going through a tough stretch, they will need him back as soon as he is he given the green light to return.

J.A. Happ is still on the DL with no timetable for his return. During both their absences, Marcus Stroman, Marco Estrada and Francisco Liriano have picked up some of the weight. That also includes the support from the bullpen as well.

The Mat Latos experiment with the Blue Jays was short lived after he was designated for an assignment on Friday. Joe Biagini will be filling the void for the rotation in today’s matinee game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

If all goes well with his rehab stat this week, it will provide a clear indication that Sanchez could re-join the Blue Jays next weekend when they host the Seattle Mariners.

Next: Blue Jays among those who've checked in on Doug Fister

While the Blue Jays aren’t rushing him back from the DL this time, Sanchez is 0-1 with a 4.05 ERA in three starts this season.