Prospect Sanchez throws three scoreless in return

Making his first start in more than a month, right-hander Aaron Sanchez threw three scoreless innings on Friday night for Class A Advanced Dunedin. Sanchez, the Blue Jays' top-ranked prospect, had been on the disabled list since leaving his start on May 18 with a shoulder injury.

Sanchez struck out three batters and walked none against Daytona, a Cubs affiliate. He retired the first eight batters he faced before allowing a hit. He got the next batter to fly out to center field, as he finished his three innings unscathed.

Sanchez said he was just happy to be able to get back on the mound.

"It was a relief to get back out there pain free," Sanchez said. "I worked hard to get back out there. It was fun to get back out there and compete against a good ball club like the Daytona Cubs."

Perhaps most importantly, Sanchez said he felt good Saturday.

Assistant general manager Tony LaCava said Friday night's report on Sanchez was good, as well.

"His fastball was in the mid 90s, topping at 98 mph," LaCava said. "He hit on some good curves and mixed in his change, as well. Felt great afterward."

Sanchez is ranked No. 32 on MLB.com's Top 100 prospects list. Apart from the injury, he has pitched well for Dunedin. Sanchez is 2-2 with a 2.96 ERA. He has a 40-to-16 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 45 2/3 innings.