Jonathan

Sanchez

The Giants are stretching Sanchez back out after using him as a short reliever in the majors. He threw 74 pitches yesterday, suggesting that he could be an option to take over as the Giants’ fifth starter after two or three more turns at Fresno.

If Brad Hennessey hadn’t pitched so well against the Padres, perhaps Sanchez would have been up to join the Giants’ rotation this weekend. As is, it looks like he’ll have to wait. He is a sleeper in NL-only leagues.

Sanchez was the Giants’ best starting-pitching prospect until he was moved to the pen a month ago. Now he’s being rushed to the majors as a reliever, much like Merkin Valdez was two years ago. He had a 1.15 ERA and a 46/9 K/BB ratio in 31 1/3 innings for Norwich, so it’s possible that he’s ready to help out. Fantasy leaguers should be able to ignore him, though. He’s unlikely to develop into a candidate for saves, and he’s also not going to be an option in the rotation anytime soon.

We’re guessing Sanchez just bounced Brad Hennessey from the rotation with his showing today. It’s also possible could start next week if Noah Lowry needs more time to rest his tired arm. Sanchez is worth grabbing in NL-only leagues. He’s now 3-0 with a 1.42 ERA as a major leaguer.

A disappointing effort from Sanchez, who had to be removed before he’d be eligible for the victory in a game the Giants won 10-6. We still think he’s worth playing in NL-only leagues, but it is possible that he’s not quite ready yet.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy said Sanchez is feeling better and will be re-evaluated for potential swelling in the ankle. He could be cleared to throw from a mound in a week. The Giants still hope to get Sanchez back late in the year, but obviously the smallest setback will end his season.

Sanchez will first throw a bullpen session Tuesday in front of the Giants’ coaching staff. If that goes well, they will continue to push the left-hander with an eye on activating him for the final week of the regular season. If it doesn’t go smoothly, Sanchez could simply be shut down.

Sanchez hasn’t pitched since spraining his left ankle on August 16. He was able to throw off flat ground on Tuesday, but there simply aren’t enough days left on the calendar. The 28-year-old left-hander made $4.8 million this season and is arbitration-eligible for the final time this winter.

His main competition will be Jonathan Sanchez, as the Giants feel Eric Surkamp isn’t quite ready. Zito posted an ugly 5.87 ERA and 32/24 K/BB ratio over 53 2/3 innings this season, but the Giants have no current plans to eat the roughly $46 million (including the $7 million buyout for 2014) remaining on his contract.

Sanchez is dealing with flu-like symptoms and will be bumped back one whole day. Luke Hochevar will recapture his slot as the Royals’ No. 2 starter.