TORONTO -- Right-hander Aaron Sanchez is scheduled to throw for the first time since hitting the disabled list on Monday, marking the biggest step in his rehab from a blister.
This is the third time Sanchez has been on the disabled list in 2017, twice for blisters and once for a split fingernail. All three of the injuries have been to his right middle finger, which has impacted his ability to throw breaking pitches effectively.
To stay fresh, manager John Gibbons said Sanchez has been doing everything but throwing a baseball, including the towel drill in the bullpen.
Sanchez threw 93 pitches over six innings in his last start, allowing three runs on six hits. Gibbons said earlier this week Sanchez would need to go out on a rehab assignment when he is ready, which could push his potential return date back to later in June if there are no setbacks.
Joe Biagini remains in the rotation with Sanchez out, and has given the Blue Jays real value while being stretched out. Saturday was his deepest start to date, as he threw 100 pitches over seven innings and allowed just one earned run.
Martin still on the mend
Toronto catcher Russell Martin was out of the lineup for the fourth consecutive game on Sunday, as he continues to deal with a neck injury.
Gibbons had said on Saturday he hoped Martin would be cleared to play in the series finale against New York, but Luke Maile remained in the lineup behind the plate. Maile has suddenly found his stroke at the plate, recording hits in three straight games, and continues to draw praise from the Blue Jays' pitching staff.
"He seems like he's one step ahead of the hitter," said Biagini after his Saturday start, "and often me, too. He always has a reason for what he wants to do and he makes the process so much more simple for someone like me to just say I don't need to be overthinking anything."