Sanchez to Start Thursday

[FishFF]

Thirteen months after undergoing right shoulder surgery, Anibal Sanchez will be returning to the Marlins rotation.

After Florida lost, 9-6, to the Cubs on Sunday afternoon at Wrigley Field, the team announced that Rick VandenHurk, who gave up five runs in 3 2/3 innings on Sunday, is being optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque.

Filling the rotation spot will be Sanchez, who officially won't be reinstated off the disabled list until Wednesday. Manager Fredi Gonzalez said Sanchez, the 24-year-old from Venezuela, will make the start on Thursday against the Rockies at Dolphin Stadium.

With Sanchez going on Thursday, the Marlins are pushing back rookie Chris Volstead one day to Friday.

The Marlins will announce another roster move on Monday to immediately fill VandenHurk's roster spot.

Florida is in the process of exploring trade options before Thursday's 4 p.m. ET non-waiver Trade Deadline. Catching and relief help are on the team's list.

One catcher the Marlins have expressed interest in acquiring is San Francisco's Bengie Molina. The asking price, however, may be too steep considering the Marlins are reluctant to part with their top young pitching prospects.

Getting Sanchez back to the rotation is regarded as a significant move. As a rookie in 2006, the right-hander went 10-3 with a 2.83 ERA. He threw a no-hitter on Sept. 6, 2006, against the Diamondbacks.

In five rehab assignment starts, Sanchez logged 28 total innings.

VandenHurk, meanwhile, was the Marlins' No. 2 starter when the season opened. However, he was sent down to Double-A Carolina after two April starts. Following several months in the Minor Leagues, he was called up and made a July 22 start against the Braves, where he worked five shutout innings and collected the victory.

On Sunday he labored, giving up five runs in 3 2/3 innings after the Marlins had claimed a 5-0 lead.

Sanchez to start Thursday for Marlins | FloridaMarlins.com: News

[wanks1212]

Much better that his first start comes against the Rockies than the Mets.

[Fritz]

I'm super-excited. I hope he's ready.

[Daft]

Excited. This is a tough injury to come back from though. Start crossing your (proper use of your) fingers.

[miami15]

Tremendous!
Hope there's a nice crowd there Thursday to welcome him back.

Also hope Santa Claus and his reindeer land on the field in the 4th inning.

[mbaamin08]

Originally Posted by wanks1212 Much better that his first start comes against the Rockies than the Mets.

Agreed. I think the FO is thinking the same thing and that's why he's being pushed to Thursday, when it will be a full week between starts, instead of him pitching on Tuesday or Wednesday.