Tigers' Sanchez shut down for season, but on track for 2016
Anibal Sanchez has been shut down for the remainder of the 2015 season, but the Tigers right-hander expected to be at full strength for the start of 2016 spring training.
Sanchez, 31, met with Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday regarding his lingering right shoulder soreness and underwent a MRI. The noted orthopedic surgeon saw no major structural damage and prescribed rest for Sanchez, who also received platelet-rich plasma injection to help aid in healing.
"All good," Sanchez's agent, Gene Mato, told MLB.com via text message. "He said the shoulder looked great."
Sanchez, who has been out since Aug. 19 with a rotator cuff strain, was scheduled to pitch Wednesday in the Tigers' series finale against the Twins at Target Field, but felt his shoulder flare up again on the last few pitches of his side session. Sanchez told MLB.com that it was the same soreness he felt previously, raising concerns that there could be a larger issue lingering.
Sanchez then decided to visit Dr. Andrews, who had performed surgery on Sanchez's labrum back in 2007.
Manager Brad Ausmus and pitching coach Jeff Jones didn't think the setback was serious, but Ausmus was happy to take the proper precautionary measures.
"I don't think it's overly concerning at this point," Ausmus said Tuesday. "I think he just re-aggravated the injury he had. You might as well cover your bases."
"Dr. Andrews said the shoulder actually looked amazing for a veteran pitcher," Mato told MLB.com.
(h/t MLB.com)
