Baltimore’s backup backstop missed over a month with wrist inflammation, but the veteran made quite the impression in his return last weekend.
It was difficult to sit back and absorb each new injury that came Baltimore’s way early in the season. The Orioles lost player after player and game after game. Eventually, they lost a manager too.
It’s been much more fun to watch several key contributors make their way back to the big league roster. The sequence has led to a recurring “what to expect from this player” story on Wednesday mornings, and I’m happy to be churning out another one.
Colton Cowser returned after suffering a broken thumb in the first week of the season, and Jordan Westburg rejoined the club after an extended absence with a hamstring issue. Both of those guys are talented young players expected to contribute in Baltimore for several years. Despite their youth, they both already have a solid track record in an Orioles uniform.
Today’s subject couldn’t say the same. Gary Sánchez was a two-time All Star, a former American League Silver Slugger Award winner, and a 10-year MLB veteran when he signed, but he was new in Baltimore. The Orioles inked Sánchez to replace another veteran catcher that starred in New York before settling into a backup role.
James McCann became a fan favorite by demonstrating toughness and leadership, but there were plenty of days when fans expressed frustration at his place in the lineup. The Orioles referred to Sánchez as a C/DH when he signed, which indicated that the right-hander could receive DH at bats against lefties too.
Sánchez holds a career 101 tOPS+ against LHP. Essentially, he’s posted very similar numbers regardless of platoon matchups. Unfortunately, Sánchez didn’t hit either type of pitcher during his first month in Baltimore
Sánchez began the year 3-for-30 before missing significant time with wrist inflammation. Maverick Handley ingratiated himself with the pitching staff during Sánchez’s absence, but the rookie recorded only three hits in 40 big league at bats. With Adley Rutschman struggling, Baltimore’s backup catchers went 6-for-70 (.086 batting average) to start the season.
Sánchez returned last weekend and made a greater impact in one series than he did in the first month. Sánchez smacked a solo homer in his first game back, and he launched a grand slam during a 2-for-4 effort one day later. He served as the DH against lefty starter Tyler Anderson before starting behind the plate against LHP Yusei Kikuchi.
The Orioles have been historically bad against southpaws this season. Sánchez’s bat may not carry the same weight as it did in New York, but he represents an improvement over the current options against lefties. Given the circumstances, the O’s will likely look to Sánchez against lefties quite often moving forward.
It’s probably not fair to expect a homer a day from Sánchez, but the power is still the story here. Sánchez tallied 19 homers in part-time work with the Padres in 2023 and slugged 11 in 89 appearances for the Brewers last season. He posted a 113 OPS+ in San Diego and a 95 OPS+ in Milwaukee.
The O’s will take a step back defensively with Sánchez replacing Handley, but Rutschman will handle the bulk of the catching duties anyway. The switch-hitting Rutschman definitely doesn’t need a platoon partner, so Sánchez will need to earn any extra at bats outside of normal backup catching duties. He provided quite the case over the weekend.
The O’s gave Sánchez a one-year deal worth 8.5 million. With Handley and Samuel Basallo stashed in Triple-A, it’s difficult to see Sánchez sticking around beyond 2025. If Sánchez hits over the next month and a half, the veteran could emerge as a modest trade chip regardless of Baltimore’s status at the deadline.
The Orioles aren’t focused on the trade deadline yet. Mike Elias acquired Sánchez to contribute this season, and the 32-year-old finally appears ready to do just that. What does that look like? Professional at bats against left-handed pitchers appears to be a great place to start.