Philly Leader

Cristopher Sánchez of the Phillies experienced forearm soreness during Tuesday's game against the Mets, causing concern for the team. Despite pitching two innings in a 5-1 loss at Citi Field, Sánchez's performance showed decreased velocity and sharpness, prompting early attention from the pitching coach and manager Rob Thomson. After throwing 58 pitches, Sánchez informed Thomson of mild tightness in his arm. Following examinations, no structural damage was found, but further assessments are pending. "He’s one of the best pitchers in the National League," stated Thomson regarding Sánchez's potential absence from upcoming games, although Sánchez is still scheduled to pitch against the Nationals next week.

Sánchez, speaking through the team interpreter, expressed confidence in his recovery, citing exercise and medical evaluations as reasons to be hopeful. Yet, he acknowledged the unfamiliar soreness experienced. Phillies pitching coach Caleb Cotham noted Sánchez appeared off during bullpen warmups. His fastball speed, clocked at 94.7 mph, was below his season average, dropping to 92 mph in the second inning.

Given the situation's uncertainty, Thomson hinted at possible adjustments to the pitching rotation, depending on Sánchez's recovery. Suárez, another left-hander on the Phillies roster, could fill any gaps as he nears a return from a back injury. Suárez recently demonstrated fitness through a five-inning scoreless rehab start with the Triple-A team and is expected to continue rehab on Sunday.

Thomson and the Phillies maintain calmness about Sánchez, reflecting on past experiences with elbow and forearm injuries within the team. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski commented on the team's depth, noting recovery planning and readiness given the roster's current status. Despite the variables involving pitcher health, the Phillies express a sense of preparedness drawing from both organizational strategies and depth in talent.

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