Jays’ Sanchez taking things slow and easy

Preparations have changed now that he’s proven himself, writes

A year ago, Aaron Sanchez was firm in his belief there was only one way to muscle his way into the Toronto Blue Jays’ starting rotation.

Blow them away — opposition hitters and team management — with what Toronto pitching coach Pete Walker calls one of the best fastballs in baseball.

It worked, of course, with the heat so impressive that Jays manager John Gibbons was left with no choice but to elevate Sanchez to the starting rotation.

What followed was a breakthrough season, one that saw the 24-year-old right-hander craft an American League best ERA of 3.00, earn a trip to the all-star game and compile a 15-2 win-loss record.

With his job status fully secure now, this spring has been vastly different for the leading candidate to be Gibbons’ opening day starter. And with his first action of the Grapefruit League season scheduled for Saturday in Dunedin, Fla., Sanchez appears to be thriving on the more measured approach.

“This training camp is a lot different than any other year I’ve come to spring training,” Sanchez told Postmedia.

“In recent years, it’s been having to be ready from Day 1 and having to compete for a job and not really getting the opportunity to work on stuff I needed to work on because I had to pitch to my strengths. My mindset going into last year was give me the opportunity to pitch and I’ll show you I can do it. I was prepared and I feel like my results showed that I was prepared.”

Not to worry, Sanchez will ride that fastball again this year, but much of spring training will be used to develop and enhance his secondary pitches. Walker said that in his first outings you can see plenty of the change-ups in the mix as he builds game comfort with that pitch.

Given the workload Sanchez shouldered last summer, the Jays’ training staff designed an off-season regimen to build up strength but also preserve the potent and emerging right arm.

He’s worked his rump off in the weight room, but the big picture aim is to set up for a long, healthy season on the hill.

“Last year, he came in (to spring training) on a mission and this year the workload has lessened,” Walker said.

“He came in here and was pushed to show what he could do in that starting role. This year we know what he can do. We know where he fits in. We’re trying to lighten the workload. He’s doing everything he can possibly do to better himself every day.

“It’s not like he’s come in here and been laid back. He’s getting after it and working hard. He’s getting his throwing in. He’s chomping at the bit to get in and got some competitive games. We’ve held him back and once he gets out there he’ll fall into his normal routine.”

Sanchez is clearly excited at the opportunity that awaits.

Being a key part of a Jays rotation that helped drive the team to the post-season for a second consecutive season was a significant career breakthrough.

And in 2017, the quiet sense is that the positive career arc will continue to trend upward.

“I still think he’s in the early stages of his development, to be honest with you,” Walker said.

“Mentally, he’s as strong as they come. He’s in a great place. As far as refining pitches, I think they are going to get better and better.”

When he steps on the mound on Saturday, Sanchez will be the final member of the Jays fiveman rotation to get game action this spring. From what he has shown behind the scenes in the most productive off season of his career, anticipation is high.