Anibal Sanchez originally was scheduled to pitch at extended spring training in Florida, but he joined Triple-A Gwinnett instead and started Monday against Durham.
It didn’t go well: He lasted 3-2/3 innings, allowing eight earned runs on eight hits. Sanchez walked three and struck out five.
Sanchez has been on the disabled list over a month after injuring his hamstring during pregame warm-ups April 18.
Braves manager Brian Snitker said the plan was for Sanchez to pitch four innings or 65 pitches. He threw 69 (44 strikes).
Sanchez owned a 1.29 ERA in three major-league appearances (two starts).
The Braves have targeted a May 28 return for Sanchez, when he could pitch one of the doubleheader games against the Mets. After that, it’s less clear how the Braves will use Sanchez. When Mike Soroka returns to the rotation from the DL, it appears likely Sanchez will pitch in long relief.
