The woes keep coming for Marlins starting pitcher Sixto Sanchez who was placed on the 15-day injured list with shoulder inflammation. This season has been less than favorable for the right-hander. Sanchez has a history with shoulder injuries dating back to 2021. He has missed the past two seasons due to these shoulder issues. Sanchez finally made his comeback to the mound this year but wasn’t able to get things going and struggles arose in his first few starts. This recent injury adds yet another setback to an already disappointing season for him.
Marlins place Sixto Sanchez on the IL with shoulder inflammation. 0-3 6.06 ERA. I have never seen more opportunities wasted by a player here. Long time.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) June 2, 2024
SP Sixto Sanchez Faces Recurring Shoulder Injury
Sixto Sanchez was projected to be an amazing starting pitcher for the Marlins. The Marlins acquired him via a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies where they sent catcher JT Realmuto. The right-hander showed promise in his first few years in the minors, even landing a spot on MLB Pipeline’s top prospect list (No. 15). Not only that but in his rookie season he was a top contender for the National League Rookie of the Year Award. Following this high, he was hit with a shoulder injury and would miss the next two seasons. Sanchez finally made his comeback to the mound this season. He made the opening day roster as a reliever then moved onto the starting rotation.
So far this season he has a 0-3 record with a 6.06 ERA, 1.60 WHIP, and 17 strikeouts in 35.2 innings pitched. His most recent start came against reigning World Series champions Texas Rangers. The righty went four innings with two earned runs on four hits. Sanchez’s velocity was concerning low. Along with this, his fastball average was 90.0 MPH which was a significant drop from his season average of 93.8 MPH. Sanchez’s problems have mostly been encountered in the first inning. He has a 16.71 ERA in the first inning alone. Sanchez is set to become a free agent after this season. It’s possible if he shows no improvement, the Marlins could DFA him. Per Craig Mish of the Miami Herald, Roddery Munoz will most likely be called up to replace Sanchez.
Main Photo Credits: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
