The Braves signed veteran right-hander Anibal Sanchez to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training, the team announced Friday.
Sanchez, 34, owns a 4.09 career ERA across 12 seasons with the Marlins and Tigers. The Twins released Sanchez on Sunday to make room on the 40-man roster for signee Lance Lynn.
He’ll compete for a roster spot with the Braves. He’ll operate as a reliever initially, with starting a possibility, dependent on his progress.
“We brought him in to get a look, see where he’s at,” Snitker said. “He’s a depth piece. I mean, who knows? He might make our club. We’ll evaluate. He’s in shape.”
Once a prized prospect included in the rich package the Tigers sent to the Marlins for slugger Miguel Cabrera, Sanchez pitched for the Marlins from 2006-12. He rejoined the Tigers for the next 5-1/2 seasons.
After a stellar start to his Tigers career, Sanchez declined in recent years. He produced ERAs of 4.99, 5.87 and 6.41 from 2015-17, respectively.
He pitched 105 1/3 innings in 2017, but exceeded 120 in each of the four years before.
Sanchez threw Friday and could pitch in Sunday’s game against the Astros.
“He’s a guy that knows how to pitch,” Snitker said. “We’re just going to evaluate and see where he’s at at this time in his career.”
