After another dominant start, could Sánchez start the All-Star Game in Philly?

DETROIT -- Phillies All-Star Cristopher Sánchez returned to his dominating form on the mound, and recently-acquired outfielder Derek Hill continued sparking the offense and defense in Saturday night’s 4-2 win over the Tigers at Comerica Park.

Sánchez did a good job of scattering 10 hits over seven-plus innings, allowing two runs and striking out seven with one walk. He allowed two singles to start the seventh, but struck out Ben Malgeri and got Zach McKinstry to hit into an inning-ending double play.

Sánchez (11-4, 2.62 ERA) was lauded for his 50 2/3-inning scoreless streak earlier this season, but had wobbled in three of his last five starts. And he allowed a career-high nine runs on 12 hits and three homers Monday at Kansas City.

However, he returned to good form against Detroit.

“Really good again,” Philadelphia manager Don Mattingly said of Sanchez. “He bent, but didn’t break today.”

When asked if Sanchez is worthy of starting Tuesday night’s All-Star Game in Philadelphia, Mattingly said, “Yeah, not my call. But obviously, Sanchy in Philly would be a great story. I would think he would have a good shot, but there’s a lot of good pitchers out there.”

Sanchez said, through interpreter Diego D’Aniello, “It would be awesome to start the All-Star Game at home with the fans. It just would be an awesome thing, another accomplishment and another goal.”

Detroit rookie catcher Eduardo Valencia hit a homer on a sinker that was on the low outside corner of the plate, and former Phillies teammate Matt Vierling (who was 3-for-3 with three singles) walked to lead off the eighth. Kevin McGonigle then singled to put runners on first and second with nobody out, and reliever Jonathan Bowlan was summoned.

Bowlan hit Dillon Dingler to load the bases, but then got Spencer Torkelson to hit into a double play that scored Vierling. He walked Riley Greene, but he got Valencia to ground out to end the inning.

“Bowlan came in and got it done for us,” said Mattingly, noting how big double plays were in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings.

Hill -- Detroit’s first-round Draft pick in 2014 -- made a diving catch in left-center to save a run in the third inning, stole three bases and continued being right in the middle of Philadelphia rallies.

“That was incredible,” Mattingly said of the catch. “Just seeing him close on that. He had a good angle on that. He had a big day. Getting on, stealing bags, base-hit that drove in a run. He’s had great at-bats, too.

“He came with that tag of being a really good defender that hit lefties. But he’s been good against righties, too. He is a student [of hitting] for sure. … He’s a pro.”

Hill, a right-handed hitter, got a start Friday night after center fielder Justin Crawford was scratched with left knee soreness. Hill got three hits (including a Statcast-projected 427-foot homer) and two runs batted in.

Mattingly said Crawford was “better” Saturday, but Hill was back starting in center. He reached first on an error by Detroit third baseman McGonigle to lead off the third, and proceeded to steal both second and third against Valencia. Trea Turner scored Hill with a sacrifice fly for the game’s first run.

After catcher J.T. Realmuto doubled home two runs in the fourth, Hill brought in Realmuto with a sharp single to left. Then he stole second but got stranded there.

Philadelphia acquired Hill from the Chicago White Sox last month, and Mattingly has been impressed with how well and how quickly he’s become a good fit on his team.

He’s batting 7-for-15 with three RBIs and four runs on this road trip.

Hill and hitting coach Kevin Long have developed a quick rapport. What have they done to adjust his swing?

“A whole lot,” said Hill. “Take a look at when I was with the White Sox vs. right now. It’s a little bit more in my legs, and approach-wise, just keeping it a little bit more simple.”

When asked about the significance of three steals, Hill said, “It doesn’t mean much. I just want to go out there and help my team win. I mean, whatever it takes, whether it’s three bags or a catch or getting a guy over with a bunt. It doesn’t matter to me. Just whatever it takes.”

Sánchez smiled when Hill was mentioned and said, “He’s a tremendous guy, a tremendous player -- I mean both on offense and defense and even with his speed.”

Hill has impressed his teammates in every way.

“It’s so fun to be on this side of the Phillies rather than facing the Phillies,” said Hill, noting their reputation for playing with a “nasty” vibe. “They’ve welcomed me with open arms. Everybody’s been phenomenal. It feels like home.”