The Washington Nationals claimed their first series win since April 16-18 with a 7-6 win over the New York Mets in Thursday’s matinee. However, it came with a cost. Starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez exited the game in the second with a left hamstring strain as explained by manager Davey Martinez.
Sanchez had struck out two and worked 1 1/3 innings with a 4-0 lead when he was forced out of the game.
Sanchez has struggled throughout the season failing to win a game in each of his nine starts. He was off to his best start Thursday before the injury occurred.
If Sanchez is headed to the IL, the Nationals will have to reshuffle the deck for an adequate replacement. Erick Fedde relieved Sanchez after he left the game, but lasted 2 2/3 innings, allowing four earned runs, surrendering Washington’s early 4-0 lead in the third as part of a four-run third by the Mets.
Among the Nationals’ 40-man roster, Joe Ross is another candidate that can fill in as a starter. However, he too has struggled, holding a 9.58 ERA in 12 appearances this season as a reliever. Austin Voth of Triple-A Fresno could be candidate to call up. Voth has a 3.89 REA in seven starts this season for the Grizzlies.
