Sánchez logs first hit with Brewers in Cactus League debut
Welcome to the Cactus League, Gary Sánchez.
Meet Luis Castillo.
Sánchez had been delayed because of a right hand injury, but it was hard to tell in his Spring Training debut against Seattle’s Castillo, one of the best pitchers in the American League.
Sánchez got one hit in three at-bats, two against Castillo, grounding a single to left field in the first inning before fouling out in the third in the Brewers’ 7-5 loss to the Mariners at American Family Fields of Phoenix.
“He’s a tremendous pitcher,” catcher Sánchez said through interpreter Daniel de Mondesert. “That was actually the first time I have ever faced him. It’s obviously a little different in Spring Training than in season. We know what kind of caliber pitcher he is. It just felt good to be out there. Happy to be out there and make contact.”
Sánchez reported to camp Feb. 22 after signing a one-year, $7 million contract with a 2025 option, an addition that was delayed by a January hand issue.
He is expected to serve as a complement to starting catcher William Contreras, and both are designated hitter options when they are not behind the plate.
Sánchez, who served as the DH Saturday, said his role has not been defined.
“As of right now, they haven’t told me anything about playing time,” he said. “My job is to be ready and to be ready for whatever the team needs, and that’s what we are working for.”
First baseman Rhys Hoskins welcomed Sánchez’s addition.
“It’s just another presence, right?” Hoskins said. ”He’s been an offensive threat as soon as he stepped in this game, somebody to be able to keep William a little bit fresher throughout the year. I think it is going to pay dividends when it is time to really, really win games.”
