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Sanchez and Swanson lead triple-A Buffalo to victory on the road against Lehigh Valley

Sanchez and Swanson lead triple-A Buffalo to victory on the road against Lehigh Valley

June 8, 2024

Right-handed pitcher Aaron Sanchez had another promising start with triple-A Buffalo in his comeback attempt to the majors.

Sanchez, who signed a minor-league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays last month, pitched six solid innings Friday night to earn his second straight win as the Bisons defeated the host Lehigh Valley IronPigs 5-2.

The 31-year-old from Barstow, Calif., gave up two hits and one run, a homer in the third inning to Nick Podkul, while recording five strikeouts and two walks. He improved to a 2-2 record and 9.00 ERA over five starts.

Sanchez, who was selected by the Blue Jays in the first round of the 2010 draft, was a key member of the team’s starting rotation during their playoff runs in 2015 and 2016.

He earned a career-high 15 wins in 2016 and represented the Blue Jays at the All-Star Game while finishing seventh in voting for the American League Cy Young Award.

Sanchez, whose career was derailed by injuries, last pitched in the majors during the 2022 season with the Minnesota Twins and has a 38-38 record, 4.16 ERA and 541 strikeouts over eight years.

Meanwhile, right-handed reliever Erik Swanson held the line during one shutout inning of work in the eighth, giving up one hit and registering two strikeouts.

Swanson, who was one of the Blue Jays’ most reliable relievers last season, has struggled this year with a 9.22 ERA and 10 strikeouts over 13.2 innings. He was optioned to Buffalo on May 28.

The Buffalo Bisons, the triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, secured a thrilling victory on the road against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs thanks to standout performances from top prospects Aaron Sanchez and Dansby Swanson.

Sanchez, a highly-touted pitching prospect, delivered a dominant performance on the mound, showcasing his electric stuff and pinpoint control. The right-hander baffled IronPigs hitters with his blazing fastball and devastating breaking pitches, racking up strikeouts and inducing weak contact throughout the game. Sanchez’s stellar outing set the tone for the Bisons and kept the IronPigs’ potent lineup in check.

Meanwhile, Swanson, a dynamic infielder with a well-rounded skill set, made his presence felt at the plate and in the field. The talented prospect displayed his hitting prowess by delivering key hits and driving in runs to help propel the Bisons to victory. Swanson’s defensive wizardry was also on full display, as he made several highlight-reel plays to stifle the IronPigs’ offense and preserve the lead for Buffalo.

The combined efforts of Sanchez and Swanson proved to be the difference-maker in a closely contested game, as the Bisons emerged victorious with a hard-fought win on the road. Their standout performances not only showcased their immense talent and potential but also solidified their status as top prospects in the Blue Jays’ farm system.

As Sanchez and Swanson continue to excel at the triple-A level, their impressive performances will undoubtedly catch the attention of Blue Jays’ management and fans alike. With their continued development and success, both prospects could soon find themselves making a significant impact at the major league level and contributing to the Blue Jays’ quest for postseason success.

Overall, Sanchez and Swanson’s stellar showing in Buffalo’s victory over Lehigh Valley serves as a testament to their talent, determination, and potential to become key contributors for the Blue Jays in the near future. Fans of the Bisons and Blue Jays alike have plenty to be excited about as these two promising prospects continue to shine on the diamond.