Many have wondered if the struggles of Jonathan Sanchez this season have been mental or physical. Now there is a bit clearer of an answer.
Before Saturday's game with the Cleveland Indians skipper Bruce Bochy announced that Sanchez will be placed on 15-day DL with left biceps tendinitis. Sanchez walked six batters and hit another in his 4 2/3 innings Friday night; he also leads the majors with 59 walks. Barry Zito was activated from the DL and will take Sanchez's place on the roster, and is slated to start the second game of a doubleheader Tuesday at Wrigley Field.
Sanchez had an interesting quote though after the announcement was made:
"There's nothing wrong with me. I'm fine. I'm healthy. I'm just having a hard time."
Sanchy must not think his tendinitis is too serious, or there may be a mental aspect to this 15-day break. Of course that is only speculation by yours truly, but still something very weird to say from the Sanchize after being put on the DL.
The Skipper was not as concerned:
"Knowing Jonathan, when he says something, it's not quite how he means it," Bochy said. "I don't get caught up in how Jonny words it."
This will ensure that Bochy will have to make some adjustments to his rotation, possibly moving Matt Cain and Madison Bumgarner up a day, but will still have a some more moving to do with the doubleheader with the Cubs making it six games in five days. Going to be interesting to see how it all works out.
"Because of the double-header, we're not going to pitch him (just) because we may need him. We'll do what's right. If we don't think he should be out there, he's not going to pitch (just) because we need a pitcher. We'd make an adjustment somewhere else."
Hope Sanchez can get everything straightened out during his little vacation injury-related layoff.