Cristopher Sánchez, sporting jersey number 61, a common designation for prospects or transient players in the preseason, has emerged as the Phillies’ fifth starter despite still donning the number. Sánchez’s performance has solidified his position in the rotation, contributing to the team’s optimism about their pitching staff, which led them to forgo pursuing costly options like Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery in the offseason.
Sánchez acknowledges the heightened expectations and feels a personal responsibility to meet them, constantly striving for improvement. Despite a mixed performance in Thursday’s Grapefruit League game against the Rays, Sánchez remains confident and focused on refining his pitching skills. Last season, he showcased one of baseball’s top changeups, but he has since added a cutter to his repertoire to enhance his effectiveness against right-handed hitters. Additionally, he has gained muscle mass, resulting in increased velocity, particularly evident in his fastball.
However, the key question remains whether Sánchez can maintain his control, a hallmark of his success last season. While he encountered some challenges in Thursday’s outing, he remains determined to address them before the start of the regular season. Sánchez is slated to make one more start before his season debut on April 2, aiming to be at his best for the Phillies’ fifth game against Cincinnati. Despite his emergence as a key player, Sánchez intends to keep wearing number 61, a sentimental choice since his debut, symbolizing his journey in baseball.
Meanwhile, outfielder Johan Rojas aims to secure the starting center fielder position for Opening Day, despite facing statistical struggles during spring training. His performance on Thursday, including a run-scoring single, reflects his ongoing efforts to refine his swing and approach at the plate. Despite a slow start, Rojas has shown improvement and consistency, earning praise from Phillies manager Rob Thomson for his progress.
In other news, Weston Wilson exited Thursday’s game after getting hit by a pitch, while pitcher Orion Kerkering continues his recovery from illness, with uncertainty regarding his readiness for the Opening Day roster. On a positive note, Kody Clemens impressed with a two-hit performance, showcasing versatility and strong plate discipline, positioning himself as a valuable asset for the team.
