Blue Jays’ Aaron Sanchez could resume throwing as soon as Sunday

Ezequiel Carrera and Kendrys Morales hit home runs but it wasn’t nearly close to enough as the New York Yankees pounded the Toronto Blue Jays.

TORONTO – The Toronto Blue Jays expect Aaron Sanchez to resume throwing in a matter of days, possibly as soon as Sunday, thanks to continued improvement in the right middle finger that has already led to three disabled list trips this season.

“He’s been doing everything but throwing a baseball to keep his arm in shape the best he can,” manager John Gibbons said.

That work includes a towel drill, in which the right-hander goes through his pitching motion without actually throwing a ball. So far he has not thrown a pitch since May 19, though. Intent on returning at full strength, Sanchez stressed the importance of patience when he hit the disabled list for the third time.

Once Sanchez improves to the point that he’s ready for game action, he will “definitely” need a rehabilitation assignment, according to Gibbons.

With Sanchez sidelined, Joe Biagini rounds out the Blue Jays rotation along with Marcus Stroman, Marco Estrada, J.A. Happ and Francisco Liriano, who was activated Friday to face the New York Yankees.

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