Anibal Sanchez pitched his second rehab start at the Double-A level for the Suns last night.
Florida Marlins right-hander Anibal Sanchez made a rehabilitation start for the Suns, pitching perfectly through the first three innings. After dealing a leadoff walk in the fourth inning, Shaun Cumberland belted a 3-1 pitch into the right field seats to tie the game 2-2. Sanchez struck out the next batter and left the game after 45 pitches, originally scheduled for a maximum of 50.
A couple of weeks ago the plan was for him to throw about 90 pitches but obviously that was scratched at some point. Now, there could be two reasons for this: 1) they didn't like what they saw in his last start and wanted to be careful with him. That's possible, but I think the more likely reason is 2) they think he is ready and wanted to limit the number of pitches because he will be starting for the Marlins on either Aug. 21 or Aug. 22 against the Braves. Probably Aug. 22, giving either Volstad or VandenHurk another day of rest.
You decide.