Atlanta Braves: Sánchez continues to amaze

The Atlanta Braves (50-38) have continued to show everyone around baseball just how dangerous they are. Atlanta has found much of its success behind an electric offense that features some of baseballs best young talent.

However, not to be outdone by the lineup is the Starting Pitching, who have contributed immensely to the Braves success. Aníbal Sánchez is no exception to that list.

Signed to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training on March 16th, not many can say they foresaw Aníbal Sánchez being more than simply a depth move. The 34-year-old has been that and much more.

Sánchez completed quite possibly his best outing of the year Saturday afternoon going up against the Brewers. He went  6 and 2/3’s innings allowing 1 run on 2 hits while striking out 8.  In his 11 appearances (10 games started), Sánchez has compiled a 4-2 record to go along with a 2.72 ERA in 59 and 2/3’s innings pitched while striking out 56 batters. His ERA is good for second best in the rotation among qualified starters.

Not only has Aníbal been a huge influence on the field, but he has also been a mentor to some of the younger pitchers off the field, which is just what Atlanta wants to see. In a story from Max E. Marcovitch of the AJC, he discusses how much of an impact the veteran had on Braves rookie Mike Soroka while they were both on the DL.

Sánchez can often be seen talking to different members of the Braves each night speaking wisdom on many aspects of the game. A team with so many youngsters like Atlanta benefits greatly from veterans like Sánchez who have been around for awhile and can give advice on the many topics that can arise from a grueling 162 game season.

Entering the 2018 campaign, Sánchez was coming off perhaps one of the worst seasons in his career, however, it’s a career that has seen a lot of success. In 2013, the righty finished 4th in the AL CY Young voting with Detroit, pitching to a 14-8 record while logging 182 innings with a 2.57 ERA. He also finished 9th in NL Rookie of the year in 2006 with the Marlins. Sánchez pitched to a 10-3 record covering 114 and 1/3 innings recording a 2.83 ERA.

Next: Braves Free Agent Targets

Sometimes the best surprises are the ones you never saw coming, and in the Braves case, Aníbal Sánchez has certainly been one of those surprises. Heading into the second half of the season Atlanta can only hope that his success continues to pay dividends for a team poised for their first playoff appearance since 2013.