What can the Miami Marlins expect from Sixto Sanchez?

Remember Sixto Sanchez? He’s recovering from a shoulder injury in AAA, and the last time we‘ve seen him he looked like he was an ace of the future. Can he still be one? Is his health in the way of such a result? Are there other options?

Sixto Sanchez will return to the Miami Marlins.

Sixto Sanchez was an elite starting pitching prospect who the Miami Marlins acquired in the J.T. Realmuto trade. Sanchez debuted in 2020 and was phenomenal in his 7 starts with a 3.46 ERA/3.50 FIP, 7.6 K/9 and 2.5 BB/9.

Sixto Sanchez looked as if he was on his way to breaking out as an ace and then he suffered an injury and it all came crashing down. Sanchez missed the 2021 season and hasn‘t pitched this season either. Shoulder issues are dangerous for pitchers and anything could happen.

Can Sixto Sanchez still be an ace for the Miami Marlins? I think that considering he’s 23 it’s way too early to completely write him off. I think that unless he struggles with his health again upon coming back from injury, or if he can’t handle a starting pitcher‘s workload, we should expect him to continue the trajectory that he set for himself back in 2020.

Does it make sense to turn Sixto Sanchez into a closer? That was suggested by the aforementioned tweet. Is it a good idea? I already wrote about who should be our closer. Should Sixto be a candidate too? I don’t think so unless he really can’t stay healthy as a starting pitcher.

Sixto Sanchez is a 23 year old former elite pitching prospect, who is still young enough and talented enough to be an ace. The only way that a different role should be considered for him is if his health or ability are heavily affected by his shoulder. It’s just way too early to give up on the potential that he offers.