Tigers' Sanchez could rejoin rotation next week
Anibal Sanchez continues to make progress in his recovery from a pectoral strain that's kept him sidelined since Aug. 8. Whether he returns in time to help the Detroit Tigers' playoff push remains to be seen.
The Tigers right-hander is scheduled to throw a simulated game Sunday in Kansas City, with an eye towards rejoining the club during the final week of the regular season.
"If that goes well, then we have to make a decision on when he comes back," manager Brad Ausmus said, via MLB.com.
Detroit has nine games left following Friday's series opener against the Royals, and it's unclear in which capacity Sanchez will be used should the club make the postseason.
From MLB.com's Jason Beck:
Ausmus wasn't giving an idea when, or in what role -- starting or relieving. That, too, might be part of the decision process. ... If Sanchez returns in the rotation, it might be a one-time deal. He'd have one start before the end of the regular season, leaving the Tigers to decide a potential postseason rotation having seen Sanchez pitch in only one game over the last seven weeks.
Sanchez worked a career-low 1.10 WHIP over 125 innings prior to his injury.