Anibal Sanchez isn’t sure what role he would have, against whom he’s competing or how long he’ll be with the Braves. But he hopes they get their money’s worth.
The Braves signed the right-hander to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training Friday, less than a week after he was released from his non-guaranteed agreement with the Twins.
Sanchez, 34, appeared in only two games this spring, including getting tagged with six runs against the Pirates on March 4. His bid for a rotation spot ended when the Twins signed Lance Lynn to a one-year deal last week.
So Sanchez was cut loose by a second team since the end of last season, after the Tigers bid him farewell following a roller-coaster tenure that saw a strong two-year start spoiled by a rocky three-year finish.
“I wasn’t ready for the day I got released,” Sanchez said. “I feel really good right now to take the mound. I’m ready to compete for whatever opportunity they give me here.”
The Braves will work Sanchez in as a reliever, with his first appearance coming as early as Sunday.
“We brought him in to get a look, see where he’s at,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “He’s a depth piece. I mean, who knows? He might make our club. We’ll evaluate. He’s in shape.”
Sanchez doesn’t care about labels and roles. He’s aware that only 12 days remain until the regular season and time is short to make a strong impression.
“Right now I just want to be able to pitch,” he said. “Whatever position they take at the end of spring training is not something I control. What I can control is to come here, be ready and try to do the best I can.”
The Braves could use the 12-year veteran in a reliever/spot-starter role, but are unlikely to do so at the expense of their prized youth. The reality remains the Braves have one pitcher, Julio Teheran, who’s a proven, healthy innings-eater, and despite ample competition, the rotation and bullpen are deluged in question marks.
Sanchez led the American League with a 2.57 ERA in 2013. Even after his production dropped off, he logged 310 1/3 innings across 2015-16 with 51 starts and three relief appearances. He pitched only 105 1/3 innings in 2017 after the Tigers moved him to the bullpen in June following his struggles as a starter.
Sanchez felt good physically after throwing a bullpen session Friday, but control-wise he’s still a work in progress.
“I think everything’s a process. That’s what spring training is, to prepare for the season no matter what my situation is right now, no matter where I’m going,” Sanchez said. “I’m working right now, being consistent in the strike zone and getting people out.”
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