Blue Jays’ right-hander Aaron Sanchez has been assigned to the 10-day disabled list after dealing with a blister on his right middle finger, the team announced on Sunday. The move is retroactive to April 15 and gives Sanchez an approximate return date of April 25, but MLB.com’s Gregor Chisholm speculates that a more long-term problem lies ahead of the starter. No concrete timetable for the pitcher’s return has been released yet.
Sanchez first dealt with the blister back in spring training, though Chisholm reports that the 24-year-old righty has had a history of blister issues on his right index finger as well. He recovered to start the season with the Blue Jays and pitched through two outings before serious discomfort set in, stumbling over seven hits and five runs during Toronto’s extra-inning loss to the Orioles on Friday. Sanchez told reporters that the blisters have impacted his ability to effectively command his curveball, causing his index finger to become sore with continued use.
The right-hander is expected to consult with a hand specialist during the upcoming week, while the Blue Jays are prepared to skip his start and shuffle the rotation order while they try to find a temporary replacement for their No. 5 starter.
