Streaks end for Sanchez in loss: Marlins starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez was riding a streak of eight quality starts in a row to begin the season heading into Thursdays game against the Giants, however he came apart in the sixth inning, allowing four runs to score as his streak came to an end and he earned his third loss in a row. Sanchez recorded just one out in that sixth inning, finishing the game with five earned runs allowed in 5 1/3 innings, ending a streak of 16 starts in a row going back to last season in which he had allowed three runs or less. He allowed seven hits and two walks in the game, while striking out seven. He also had two wild pitches in the sixth inning, as his record fell to 2-3 on the season in the 14-7 Marlins loss. (Updated 05/24/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/25/12).
Fantasy Analysis
This is the first poor start of Sanchezs season, as he had a 2.32 ERA coming into this start, which rose to 2.87 with the game. Despite the poor performance, Sanchez has been terrific this season, posting the best strikeout and walk rates of his career through nine starts. His next start comes against the Nations, on Tuesday during Fantasy Week 9 (May 28-June 3), a team he has a 2.10 career ERA against, so continue to consider him a solid Fantasy option in all formats. (Updated 05/24/2012).
05/25/2012 14:07 Hit Parade for Week 9
Which schedules can you take advantage of in Fantasy Week 8? Our Scott White shares his start and sit recommendations by position for the upcoming scoring period in his latest Hit Parade.
05/24/2012 23:14 Cabrera has 4 RBI, Giants beat Marlins
Melky Cabrera had three hits and drove in four runs Thursday for the San Francisco Giants, who gave Ryan Vogelsong robust run support for a change to beat the Miami Marlins 14-7.
05/23/2012 06:45 Dear Mr. Fantasy: Ups and downs of young players
Last year your team was a juggernaut. This year it's sitting in the cellar. What happened? You might even have most of those players back. If you're relying on young talent, our Scott White says prepare to take some lumps in his latest Dear Mr. Fantasy.
05/20/2012 08:36 Top 70 starters for Week 8
A lot to take into consideration before setting your pitching staffs for Fantasy Week 8. Our Al Melchior runs through his Top 70 starting options and has all the matchups.
05/19/2012 02:29 The Lineup: Pitchers and Blue Jays
Interleague play commenced with some staggering pitching performances ... except in Toronto.
For the first three months of 2011, Anibal Sanchez was considered one of the biggest breakouts in Fantasy, going 6-1 with a 2.82 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 9.1 strikeouts per nine innings. But for whatever reason, it all went south in July. Sanchez allowed four earned runs or more in five of his next eight starts, losing the confidence of his Fantasy owners with an 0-5 record during that stretch. He still maintained a high strikeout rate and kept his walks relatively low, but hitters were teeing off on him. He did rebound with a 2.70 ERA over his final eight starts, but by then, most Fantasy owners had tuned out. Despite the roller coaster ride, Sanchez's 2011 season was still a success. He pitched a career-high 196 1/3 innings and was one of only 14 pitchers to record 200 strikeouts. Most of all, he stayed healthy for the second straight season, putting to rest once and for all the lingering concerns over his shoulder, which shut him down for the better part of three seasons earlier in his career. At age 28, Sanchez still has room to grow and seems to be making progress. If the Marlins' offseason retooling allows him to take another step forward, the middle-rounder could be this year's version of Ian Kennedy. (Updated 1/4/12)