A friendly rivalry unfolds as Cristopher Sánchez's curveball leaves Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in stitches during a pre-season game. But this isn't just any pitch; it's a changeup, a pitch so good it earned Sánchez a Cy Young Award nomination last year. And it's not just any laugh; it's a shared moment between future teammates, as they'll soon represent the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.
Sánchez, a rising star in the Phillies' rotation, showcased his signature move in the first inning against the Blue Jays. Three sinkers set the stage, but it was the changeup that stole the show. Guerrero, a formidable batter, couldn't help but swing and miss, leading to a lighthearted exchange between the two.
Guerrero got his revenge with a single on the next pitch, but Sánchez's changeup had made its mark. He delivered seven of them in two scoreless innings, each one untouchable by the Blue Jays' bats.
The Phillies' starting rotation is shaping up to be a force, with Sánchez expected to lead the charge on Opening Day. However, the team faces a challenge with a thin pitching depth beyond their top starters. This leaves Phillies president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, in a tricky spot. While star pitchers like Max Scherzer, Lucas Giolito, and Zack Littell remain free agents, the Phillies' strategy is to seek more flexible options, considering their current roster and the impending return of Zach Wheeler.
With Sánchez, Nola, and Walker set to miss starts due to international commitments, the Phillies' internal options will be under the spotlight this spring. And this is where it gets intriguing: will the team's strategy pay off, or will they be left wishing they'd secured a big-name pitcher? The debate is sure to spark opinions, and we want to hear yours!
