Atlanta Braves: Anibal Sanchez Hit Disabled List Providing Opportunity
By Kit Anderson
Atlanta Braves pitcher Anibal Sanchez will hit the disabled list with a hamstring strain. While the injury is unfortunate it will also provide an opportunity for another young Braves pitcher.
Sanchez has been solid for the Atlanta Braves through his first two starts for the team. His 1.29 ERA speaks to his ability to use pitch movement and not his diminishing velocity.
His success was unlikely to last and came to an unfortunate and abrupt halt with the injury. An injury that will provide another young Braves pitcher with an opportunity.
Sanchez is likely to rebound quickly from the injury and only miss two turns in the rotation giving limited time to whoever has a chance to take his role.
Matt Wisler or Lucas Sims seem like the most likely options, though both have had their shots. Wisler has seen a lot of time in the Braves rotation and has the ability to pitch at a high level.
The problem for Matt has been lack of confidence in his pitches and bringing a mound presence that pitchers must possess.
Sanchez’s injury is nothing new for a team that has battled a lot of key injuries in the first month of the season. Freddie Freeman, Tyler Flowers, Johan Camargo, Brandon McCarthy, and now Anibal Sanchez have all dealt with injuries.
The fact the Braves are facing so much injury adversity early in the year and still winning against good teams speaks to talent.
Injuries are something that players and fans should never wish on even the most hated rival. But, they do provide exciting chances for young players to prove themselves.
That is the case here with Sanchez going down and opening up a chance for a young arm to write themselves into the Braves plans. More to come as the Braves decide who will start tonight as the series opens against the Mets.