Rick VandenHurk sent down

Rick VandenHurk was sent down after yesterday's game and Taylor Tankersley is expected to be recalled.

Meanwhile, Rick VandenHurk was shipped back to Triple-A Albuquerque after coughing up a 5-0 lead Sunday against the Cubs. VandenHurk tossed five hitless innings at the Braves last week in his return start, but his season ERA in the majors climbed to 7.71 after he failed to last the fourth inning.

Lefty reliever Taylor Tankersley, who has reeled off nine straight scoreless outings at Triple-A since his July 3 demotion, will be added to the roster before tonight's opener of a three-game series against the Mets.

Minor league pitching coordinator Wayne Rosenthal recently worked with the former first-round pick while the Isotopes were in New Orleans, and Tankersley seemed to benefit from some mechanical alterations. However, in his past four innings he had still allowed five walks while striking out three.

I imagine that Tank is going to get the Jesus Delgado treatment and wear the uniform while watching the games from the bullpen.  But you never know.

Tankersley will probably only up with the big club until Thursday when Anibal Sanchez is expected to make his start and then he will be Albuquerque bound.

The Marlins' rotation has been revamped with the additions of Josh Johnson and Chris Volstad and will get another big addition when Anibal Sanchez returns this week.

Sanchez, coming back from shoulder surgery, will make his first start Thursday at home against the Rockies. He will take Rick VandenHurk's spot in the rotation, and every starter will pitch on normal rest except Volstad, who will get an extra day's rest and pitch Friday.

It will be interesting to see Anibal in action again.  Initially don't expect to see the 2006 version, though it could happen.  More than likely Sanchez will still be trying to return to form.