Toronto Blue Jays Aaron Sanchez: Waiver Wire Target
By Bill Pivetz
Toronto Blue Jays youngster Aaron Sanchez had a great first outing this season. If you are looking for starting pitching depth, pick him up now.
The Toronto Blue Jays have one of the, if not the No. 1, best offenses in the league. The bullpen looks solid as well. However, the rotation, especially the back-end, is a little questionable. After Marcus Stroman, the talent drops off a bit with J.A. Happ and R.A. Dickey. There is someone who is looking to stand out and give the Blue Jays another viable option. Aaron Sanchez had a great first outing and is someone who could anchor the back of your rotation.
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Sanchez began last season as a starting pitcher. He made 11 starts, finishing 5-4 with a 3.55 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 42 strikeouts. He then transitioned into the bullpen and made his first appearance on July 25. He appeared in 30 games and had a 2.39 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 19 strikeouts.
Entering this season, reports were going around that current closer Roberto Osuna would join the rotation and Sanchez stay in the bullpen as the team brought in Drew Storen as the closer. None of that went right as Storen is the set-up man and Aaron Sanchez is listed as the No. 4 starter.
In his first start since June 5 of last season, he faced the Tampa Bay Rays. Sanchez went seven innings, giving up one run on five hits and struck out eight batters, but left with no decision. This was a nice change of pace compared to what he did last season. He went at least seven innings three times and allowed one or fewer runs twice in his previous 11 starts.
Next: Phillies Dalier Hinojoso
Aaron Sanchez is owned in just 29 percent of ESPN leagues. His next start will be home against the New York Yankees. The Yankees were dominated by Dallas Keuchel in their first game on Tuesday. While Sanchez is nowhere near Keuchel’s level, the Yankees offense should not scare anyone. In a 10-team league, Sanchez may not be worth dropping anyone for, he is likely better served as a streaming option. In deeper leagues, definitely pick him up if he’s still available.