San Diego Padres' Gary Sanchez Keeps Slugging His Way into Record Books

San Diego Padres catcher Gary Sanchez has been on a tear since signing with the Friars.

While the San Diego Padres have been one of the most disappointing teams in baseball this season, catcher Gary Sanchez has been a pleasant surprise.

Sanchez bounced around early in the season, signing a minor league deal with the Giants before appearing in some games for the New York Mets. After landing in San Diego, all he's done is hit for power, joining some unique baseball history at the plate.

Per @OptaSTATS on social media:

Primary catchers to have 16+ HR & 40+ RBI within their 1st 60 games with a team since RBI became official in 1920: 

1995-96 Scott Servais - Cubs 

2015-17 Gary Sanchez - Yankees 

2019-20 Will Smith - Dodgers 

2023 Gary Sanchez -@Padres (in 57 games)

Primary catchers to have 16+ HR & 40+ RBI within their 1st 60 games with a team since RBI became official in 1920:

1995-96 Scott Servais - Cubs
2015-17 Gary Sanchez - Yankees
2019-20 Will Smith - Dodgers
2023 Gary Sanchez - @Padres (in 57 games) pic.twitter.com/qADYPzCYJF

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) August 16, 2023

Sanchez went 2-for-4 on Wednesday against the Baltimore Orioles with a grand slam. While his average is still relatively low (.221), he's carried an OPS of .800 this season, making him one of the best hitting catchers this season.

He's in his ninth year in the big leagues with the Yankees, Twins, Mets and Padres. He's a lifetime .225 hitter with 170 homers and 442 RBI. 

The Padres are currently 57-63 and in fourth place in the National League West. Entering play on Wednesday, they are 5.5 games back of the third and final wild card spot in the NL. 

They'll take on the Orioles on Wednesday at 8:40 p.m. ET. Dean Kremer (BAL) pitches against Blake Snell (SD).

Snell is 9-8 this season with a 2.63 ERA while Kremer is 11-4 with a 4.50.

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