Eduardo

Sanchez

Sanchez hasn’t pitched with the Cardinals since June 12 due to a strained right shoulder. The hard-throwing right-hander had a 1.88 ERA and 33/16 K/BB ratio over 26 2/3 innings prior to the injury.

Westbrook was on the NLDS roster as a long man out of the bullpen, but did not appear in a game. Former Cardinal and current 101 ESPN Radio analyst Chris Duncan indicated that Westbrook is dealing with a broken toe, but the Cards have not confirmed that report. Either way, he’ll be replaced by a reliever, as two of Kyle McClellan, Lance Lynn and Eduardo Sanchez are expected to take the spots of Westbrook and Skip Schumaker (oblique).

Sanchez was sent to the minors at the end of spring training due to concerns about his mechanics. With those apparently ironed out, he will hop into a middle relief role in St. Louis. The 23-year-old registered a stellar 1.80 ERA and 35/16 K/BB ratio in 30 innings last season for the eventual World Series champions.

This should cement St. Louis’ Opening Day bullpen. The Cardinals will likely go with Jason Motte, Fernando Salas, Mitchell Boggs, Kyle McClellan, Scott Linebrink, J.C. Romero and Mark Rzepczynski. Sanchez missed a chunk of last season due to a strained right shoulder, but the youngster was a weapon when healthy. He’ll be in St. Louis before long.

Sanchez posted a 6.60 ERA in 17 appearances (15 innings) as a middle reliever with the Cardinals. He could be an option for the bullpen again later this season. Maikel Cleto is replacing him on the active roster.

The Cardinals will shut him down for a week in hopes that he’ll be ready to return to the mound in a couple weeks. Sanchez has been a big disappointment both in the majors and minors this season after showing plenty of promise last year as a rookie.

Sanchez had just been claimed off waivers from the Cardinals a couple weeks ago. He’s had his control problems, but the right-hander has a big arm that could again draw interest on waivers.

Sanchez has been sidelined since mid-June with a shoulder strain. The hard-throwing setup man had a 1.88 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 26 2/3 innings before he was shut down.

Sanchez, who had been sidelined with a shoulder issue, actually earned the win in the Cardinals’ comeback victory. He struck out a pair, and his stuff looked as good as ever, with his slider having plenty of bite and fastball touching 93-94 mph. The 22-year-old, who holds a 1.80 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 10.5 K/9 rate over 30 innings this year, could be a valuable late-inning weapon out of the Cards’ bullpen if they make the postseason.

Sanchez was designated for assignment last week but has cleared waivers and will remain in the organization. The righty has really struggled with his control the last two seasons but is still just 24 and has plenty of upside.