The Nationals designated starter Aaron Sanchez for assignment, the team announced after today’s doubleheader against the Rockies. Andres Machado, up as an extra man for the twin bill, will remain on the active roster. By DFA’ing Sanchez, the Nationals have opened a spot on their 40-man roster, which now sits at 39.
Given the options available to the Nats, Sanchez seemed a good bet to take on some of the innings load, but they’re moving on after six starts, 27 2/3 innings, and a 7.16 ERA/5.53 FIP. Those numbers don’t even include today’s start, in which Sanchez was pelted for seven runs over 3 2/3 innings, ballooning his ERA to 8.33. The 29-year-old could remain in the organization if he goes unclaimed by another organization.
To replace him in the rotation, the Nats could turn to an old stand-by in Paolo Espino or Josh Rogers. The more exciting option for Nats fans would be Cade Cavalli, the club’s top pitching prospect, who threw seven scoreless frames tonight in Triple-A, lining him up to take Sanchez’s spot in the rotation. The rotation has been a particular area of need for Washington. Erick Fedde is currently their only starter with a sub 5.00 ERA.
Machado, 29, has a 2.45 ERA/3.32 FIP in ten outings spanning 11 innings with the big league club this year. He emerged as one of manager Dave Martinez’s more reliable arms last season, posting a 3.53 ERA/4.63 FIP over 35 2/3 innings.
Dude is cooked over here. If he can keep the blisters in check, he should try Asia for the next chapter.
he should settle for being a RP but refuses to.
He had a decent few outing for the giants in that relief role. Seemed logical limit usage increased velo. But he’s in charge I guess, can’t help but think he’s wasting time trying to be a starter at this point.
Nats were/are rebuilding and took a flyer on Sanchez to see if he has something left in the tank as a starter/soak up some innings while the team isn’t expected to win much for another year or two. Unfortunate that he no longer can be a successful starter but it’s the way she goes sometimes.
It doesn’t seem that long ago Sanchez was an All-Star at 15-2 with a 3.00 ERA and a 1.167 WHIP, and pitched 6 innings of 1 run ball in game 4 of the ALCS for Toronto. I was actually hoping for and thinking there was a chance of a Blue Jays – Cubs World Series.
I miss those days. Seems like just yesterday….
He’s done. Helps ego got the best of him. His attitude of “I’m not going to the pen” ruined him and didn’t want to face reality that he’s not good.
I remember when he was a top trade peice that AA refused to trade, or at least for what was offered. I sure would love to know what some of those offered where the year e had the ERA title and 4 or 5 control yrs left
Aaron Sanchez got CHOPPED.
Nice one.
He doesn’t add much to Master Chef Jr. either.
I think it’s time Sánchez commits to relief work full-time. There’s a team out there I’m sure would give him a shot.
Will he accept the minor league assignment if offered?
He’s going to be a 34 year old RP when he finally figures out his fingers just can’t handle SP. Have a good year, get paid decent money from someone who thinks he figured it out and then retire on the IL from wear and tear
If he just accepted being a 6th 7th or 8th inning Johh Hader (before there was a Josh Hader) we would all be talking about Sanchez being the prototype for your best Pitcher coming in during crucial points, and he could probably give you 2 innings twice a week an another sporadic inning mixed in or a 3 inning save the week next
What could have been