Ex Yankee Gary Sanchez immediately gets another chance

Wednesday May 31, 2023

Miami – Gary Sanchez wasted no time returning to the MLB after getting claimed off of waivers from the Mets.

“It’s been a challenging journey, especially with the recent team changes,” acknowledged Sanchez, using an interpreter. “However, I’m currently focused on my future with the Padres and leaving the past behind.”

Sanchez, twice an All-Star, managed three strikeouts and an RBI for the Mets, albeit seeming inconsistent behind the plate at times. His Padres tenure commenced on May 30, 2023.

Padres’ skipper Bob Melvin commented, “There are times in a season when you aim for small, yet significant improvements. Despite Sanchez’s recent team transitions, he has proven his worth in the past.”

With the Padres experiencing inadequate offensive output from their catchers, there’s potential for Sanchez to secure more playing time in San Diego.

Austin Nola, with a .131 batting average, three extra-base hits, and a .434 OPS across 39 games, has not lived up to expectations. His alternating partner, Brett Sullivan, has managed a .170 average with four extra-base hits and a .482 OPS in 21 games since his minor league promotion on April 16.

Luis Campusano, sidelined since April 17 due to a thumb injury, is anticipated to be out of action until the All-Star break.

“I’m thrilled to become part of a superstar-laden team,” Sánchez stated. “The talent here is overwhelming, and I’m eager to make a meaningful contribution.”

Sanchez enjoyed his prime years early on with the Yankees, where he finished second in the 2016 AL Rookie of the Year voting and earned a spot on the AL All-Star team in 2017 and 2019.

In his remarkable 2016 season, he smacked 20 home runs with a 1.032 OPS over 53 games, followed by 33 homers and 90 RBIs with an .876 OPS in 2017, and 34 homers with 77 RBIs and an .841 OPS in 2019.

Sanchez was sent to Minnesota prior to the 2022 season, where he finished with a .205 batting average, 16 homers, and 61 RBIs in 128 games last year.