Padres News: Michael Wacha Talks Gary Sanchez Injury, ‘That One Definitely Hurts’

Friars lose the slugging backstop due to a fractured wrist.

The Padres season has not had too many bright spots in 2023. Injuries and players underperforming have gone hand and hand with the Friars season where they were predicted to win the NL West.

One bright spot, however, came at the end of May when Gary Sanchez came to the Padres.

The 30-year-old backstop was waived by the New York Mets after appearing in three games for them this season. The Friars claimed the once power-hitting catcher due to a vacancy in the position.

Sanchez produced big time. In 72 games with the Friars, Sanchez hit a low .216 average but hit 19 home runs and 46 runs batted in. The veteran backstop had a .792 OPS and a 2.6 WAR with the team.

Unfortunately, his 2023 season is now over after he fractured his wrist after being hit with a 98 mph fastball.

Sanchez made an instant impact on a team that needed support, especially calling games for pitchers.

Blake Snell and Michael Wacha quickly bonded with the veteran and both pitchers were having career years with Sanchez catching.

“Ever since we acquired him, he’s come in and swung the bat well and has been great behind the plate with all of our pitchers,” Wacha said. “We’re definitely going to miss him. Wish him a speedy recovery and get that thing all healed up and come back better and stronger. But yeah, that one definitely hurts.”

(via Jeff Sanders, The San Diego Union Tribune)

Blake Snell had the best turnaround since the Sanchez arrival. Beginning the year, Snell had a 5.04 ERA before Sanchez became a Padre. Since then, Snell has been the NL Cy Young leader.

Blake Snell is 11-3 (18 GS) with a 1.29 ERA and 147 strikeouts in 105 innings pitched since May 31st (with Gary Sanchez).

Let ‘em know Zilla 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/fx23mD7BAX

— Al Scott (@AlScott1998) September 3, 2023

It is safe to say that if the Padres want to bring back Snell this offseason, they will also need to bring Sanchez back as well.