Report: Blue Jays' Sanchez expected to return from DL on Sunday
The scuffling Toronto Blue Jays could be getting a much-needed boost on the mound this weekend.
Right-hander Aaron Sanchez, who was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a finger issue on April 16, is expected to return on Sunday and start against the Tampa Bay Rays, according to Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com.
Sanchez will throw a bullpen session Friday when the team returns to Toronto, per Chisholm. It would be his second bullpen of the week after he threw 30 pitches on Tuesday in St. Louis, and apparently had positive results.
The 24-year-old, who posted an AL-low 3.00 ERA in 2016, has made just two starts this season thanks to his finger and blister issues. Sanchez underwent a minor surgical procedure last week after being placed on the DL that removed part of his fingernail.
Sanchez owns a 4.38 ERA and has struck out nine hitters in 12 1/3 innings this season.
Toronto has slumped to a 6-14 record - the worst in baseball - to begin 2017, and the injury bug has played a big role. In addition to Sanchez, Toronto's rotation will be without southpaw J.A. Happ for the foreseeable future due to an arm issue, while former AL MVP Josh Donaldson and shortstop Troy Tulowitzki are also sidelined with varying ailments.