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Blue Jays GM: Aaron Sanchez could end up in bullpen in 2015

Dan Hamilton / USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

Though Aaron Sanchez is expected to be a future stalwart in the Toronto Blue Jays' rotation, the young right-hander could end up in the bullpen in 2015.

Sanchez, the 34th overall selection in the 2010 draft, is tentatively expected to vie for the final spot in the rotation this spring, but general manager Alex Anthopoulos conceded Friday the 22-year-old may be forced into a relief role if the club adds another starter.

"That's definitely a scenario that could happen," Anthopoulos told Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith.

Sanchez spent the majority of his minor-league career as a starter, but thrived in a relief role after joining the Blue Jays just after the All-Star break. The California native fashioned a 1.09 ERA with a 0.70 WHIP over 24 relief appearances while issuing just nine walks over 33 innings, assuaging some concern over the control problems that plagued him throughout his minor-league career.

Sanchez could contend for the closer's job should he end up in the bullpen as Casey Janssen, who logged 81 saves for the Blue Jays over the last three seasons, is expected to sign elsewhere as a free agent.

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