Veteran pitcher Anibal Sanchez wasn’t an option when the Braves needed a starter on short notice Thursday.
But he could be soon.
Sanchez has been on the disabled list for one month since straining his left hamstring, though the initial day-after-diagnosis was a minor strain not as serious as initially feared, and that he might be back in about 10 days.
Ten days came and went, and so did 20, and now 30.
The team said for the past couple of weeks that Sanchez’s hamstring hadn’t healed enough for sprinting, covering first base, etc., but now it appears he’s a go, ready to pitch.
Braves manager Brian Snitker said Thursday that Sanchez would throw another side session Friday, then go to Florida to make two extended spring-training starts.
Sanchez was 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA in three games (two starts) before hurting his leg while sprinting in the outfield during pre-game warmups.
“He’s going to need a couple of tune-ups now, he’s been out so long,” Snitker said.
Then what? That’s to be determined, but for now it seems Sanchez could start a game in the Braves’ May 28 doubleheader against the Mets.
And if something else happens between now and then and the Braves need an emergency starter, Sanchez could be available.
If the Braves have another starter get hurt or have a long-relief bullpen need, he might be the guy.
But for now, it looks like May 28 is a target for his return.
“You always need to have a plan because if you don’t, you get bit in the (rear),” Snitker said. “Usually you plan for something like that and then it works itself out. Always, it seems like.”
