In a move that was expected yet still thrilling for Phillies fans, Major League Baseball announced that Sánchez will take the mound as the Phillies’ Opening Day starter next Thursday against Texas at Citizens Bank Park. This decision was practically a given, considering Sánchez's stellar performance last season. He finished as the runner-up for the NL Cy Young Award and was a key player in the Phillies’ rotation, especially when Zack Wheeler was sidelined due to health issues.
Reflecting on the honor, Sánchez expressed his excitement: “It’s a privilege. It’s an honor. Obviously, it’s something to look forward to, and it’s one of the goals I’ve wanted to accomplish in my career.”
Sánchez boasts an impressive record, going 13-5 with a 2.50 ERA across 32 starts last season. He joins a select group of Phillies pitchers born outside the U.S. to start on Opening Day, following in the footsteps of Venezuelan Omar Daal and Canadian Oscar Judd.
Not long ago, Sánchez was just trying to make a name for himself in Spring Training. Now, he’s leading the charge as the Phillies’ ace.
Following Sánchez, Aaron Nola will take the mound for the second game of the season, with Jesús Luzardo wrapping up the series against Texas. Taijuan Walker and Andrew Painter are set to start the series against the Nationals, with Painter making the Opening Day roster.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson is full of praise for Sánchez, noting his evolving skills: “I don't know where the ceiling is. This guy, the slider is getting better and he's using it more.
He’s got the unbelievable changeup, and his fastball command leads to weak contact. He's just a complete pitcher right now.”
Sánchez wrapped up his preseason with a solid performance, allowing just two hits and one run while striking out four over five innings in a tie game against the Tigers. In high spirits post-game, Sánchez joked with reporters and expressed no nerves about the upcoming start.
Reflecting on his journey and success, Sánchez emphasized the motivation he draws from the city and its fans. “Above everything else, the city where we’re at. The city that we have, the fans that we have -- I think that’s more than enough motivation every day to give my best.”
Thomson noted Sánchez’s confidence, which seems to be at an all-time high. As the season kicks off, Sánchez’s family, including his wife and son Cristopher, will be cheering him on from the stands, adding a personal touch to what promises to be an exciting Opening Day.