MIAMI (AP) -The Florida Marlins’ once-wobbly rotation received another boost Monday when right-hander Anibal Sanchez rejoined the team.
Sanchez won 10 games and threw a no-hitter as a rookie in 2006, then missed most of last season because of a shoulder injury that required surgery in June 2007. He’s scheduled to make his first start in 15 months Thursday against Colorado.
“It’s awesome,” first baseman Mike Jacobs said. “It’s like going out and making a trade.”
The return of Sanchez, 24, is the latest upgrade for a rotation that has been Florida’s biggest weakness this season. Josh Johnson, 24, has a 3.71 ERA in three starts since returning from reconstructive elbow surgery, and 21-year-old rookie Chris Volstad is 2-1 with a 2.38 ERA in four games.
The infusion of young arms bodes well for the Marlins, who began the week only two games behind the NL East-leading New York Mets.
“I’m excited for right now, and for the future,” manager Fredi Gonzalez said
The Marlins have not yet activated Sanchez, but they did recall left-handed reliever Taylor Tankersley from Triple-A Albuquerque.
Two years ago, Sanchez was part of a stellar class of Florida rookies that also included Jacobs, Hanley Ramirez, Dan Uggla, Josh Willingham and starting pitchers Johnson, Ricky Nolasco and Scott Olsen.
“When I throw, we’re going to be in ’06 again, with Olsen, Johnson, Ricky and me,” Sanchez said. “We have to do everything to pitch the team to the playoffs.”
The Marlins have stayed in contention despite the smallest payroll in the majors.
“I don’t think it’s a surprise,” Sanchez said. “These guys have been together three years. Probably we can make the playoffs.”
Probably? Sanchez smiled at the question.
“No, for sure,” he said.
Sanchez went 10-3 in 2006 with an ERA of 2.83 and a no-hitter against Arizona in his 13th major league start. He made only six starts last year before being sidelined.
Sanchez consistently topped 90 mph with his fastball in rehabilitation starts, including his most recent outing for Double-A Carolina last Thursday, when he threw 101 pitches in seven innings.
He threw a bullpen session Monday and said his shoulder feels fine.
“I’m really excited,” he said. “I spent a long time on the DL. I’m going to do my best when I get the ball.”
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