After missing two full seasons, Sixto Sanchez made a triumphant return to the mound on Monday.
Sanchez threw a bullpen session at Roger Dean Stadium, and only utilized his fastball during the brief mound time. Even though Sanchez was part of Miami’s 2020 playoff run, he still remains a prospect due to lack of service time.
The fiery right-hander figures to open the year in AA or AAA, barring any setbacks along the way. If all goes well injury and performance wise, Sanchez could find himself back in the big leagues around midseason.
Miami has not factored Sanchez into their plans, and anything they get from him will be gravy. If Sanchez can recover the form he had during 2020, Miami’s pitching rotation would get even better. Though, it remains possible that Miami tries Sanchez in the bullpen at some point instead.
Miami Herald reporter, Jordan McPherson shared a video on Twitter of Sanchez’s mound work:
It remains to be seen if Sanchez will get into any games for the Marlins in the Grapefruit League. The Marlins could opt to keep things light for the youngster, and instead assign him to minor league camp at some point.