Blue Jays' Aaron Sanchez: Struggles in first postseason start

Sanchez pitched 5.2 innings, allowing six runs on three hits -- including two homers -- and four walks while striking out five in Sunday's victory over Texas in the ALDS. He did not factor into the decision.

Analysis:

Sunday marked the right-hander's first career start in the postseason. During the Jays' playoff run last year, Sanchez made a name for himself by holding the opposition scoreless over nine appearances. Maybe nerves got to the 24-year-old, as his performance against the Rangers was a far cry from what he had done over his recent starts. In Sanchez's final three regular-season games, he allowed just three earned runs in 19 innings while notching 21 strikeouts. Among qualified starters during the regular season, Sanchez led the AL in ERA (3.00) and finished ninth in WHIP (1.17), so a better performance should be on tap when he takes the hill in the ALCS.