Before Wednesday’s matchup against the Washington Nationals, the Philadelphia Phillies were optimistic about Cristopher Sánchez’s condition. Manager Rob Thomson, pitching coach Caleb Cotham, and Sánchez himself all insisted he was feeling fine after exiting his previous start with forearm tightness. Still, many fans were anxious to see how he would perform in his return before breathing a sigh of relief.
Sánchez quickly eased those concerns. He took the mound with velocity consistent with his season averages, reaching up to 97.3 mph on his sinker. He looked sharp through the first two innings, working around a couple of hits and striking out the side in the second. However, some command issues cropped up in the third inning, where he gave up two walks, hit a batter, and allowed an RBI double by Nathaniel Lowe. Despite the 26-pitch third inning, Sánchez made it through five innings.
He finished the outing with 87 pitches, allowing five hits and two earned runs, while striking out six and walking three. He also notched a game-high 13 swings and misses. Afterward, Sánchez confirmed he felt good, telling On Pattison’s Anthony SanFilippo: “I went out and competed and did the best I can do and attacked the zone like I always do. I feel fine.”
This comes as a major relief after his concerning early exit against the Mets last week. The Phillies went on to win 7-2, and Sánchez improved his season record to 3-1, with a 3.45 ERA, a 1.34 WHIP, and 39 strikeouts over 31 1/3 innings.
Philadelphia continues to benefit from a deep and talented starting rotation that has largely avoided injuries. Ranger Suárez is set to rejoin the rotation this weekend after dealing with spring back soreness. With Taijuan Walker showing improvement, the team is even toying with the idea of a six-man rotation. According to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb, that scenario is unlikely early in the season, but it’s not off the table. Regardless, a roster move will be necessary soon, likely resulting in a reliever being optioned or designated for assignment.
